India, US to sign key logistics agreement

NEW DELHI: India and the US are likely to sign a key logisitics agreement later this month which will enable both the countries to use each other's assets and bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. The agreement called the 'Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement' (LEMOA) is likely to be signed during Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's visit to the US, starting August 29. The agreement was

announced during the visit of US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter in April this year. The move will allow both the countries to use each other's bases as well as assets for replenishment of supplies and refuelling.

However, it will not allow stationing of troops in each other's bases.

Other issues that are likely to be discussed include project under the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI) and the aircraft carrier project.

The US is also likely to push its case for manufacture of American fighter jet plane in India under the 'Make in India' initative.