Posted on 07/15/2007 6:55:02 AM PDT by Gengis Khan
India, US to sign military pact NEW DELHI, July 15 (APP)- India and the United States are close to sign a military pact under which their armed forces will extend to each other logistics support.
The Indian daily “The Asian Age” reported on Sunday while quoting a Pentagon official, Lt. Gen. Jeffrey B. Kohler, the director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency who is visiting New Delhi as saying the draft agreement was at present before India’s Cabinet Committee on Security for clearance.
Jeffrey B. Kohler while briefing a handful of journalists on the pact said the agreement is called the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, formerly known as the Nato Mutual Support Act.
Under this agreement the armed forces of both the countries will provide each other logistics and other support, such as food, fuel, transportation, ammunition and equipment.
He said “the agreement will ease joint operations by the armed forces of the two countries during exercises and in coming to the aid of people struck by natural calamities. Both the forces are having frequent interactions and face immense difficulties by way of fuel supplies and other logistics. With such an agreement in place, it would ease things for both militaries. “
General Kohler along with Rear Admiral Jeffrey W. Wieringa interacted here with top Indian officials and military officers to finalise the agreement.
He said that US armament manufacturers were interested to compete in selling military hardwares to India including fighters, naval warships and missiles.
The present Indian government has already signed a defence framework agreement with the US. It has hosted several military exercises as well as allowing US vessels to dock at its ports. Recently the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz ported at Chennai which drew widespread protest, the daily said.
New Delhi, July 14:A significant defence agreement between India and US for providing logistical support to each other's armed forces is in the final stages, with Pentagon officials saying that they are hopeful of an early clearance from the Indian Cabinet Council on Security.
The Logistics Support Agreement, which will enable warships to access each others ports besides facilitating cashless exchange of fuel and spare parts by armed forces of both the countries on overseas deployment, took off during President Bush’s India visit last year.
“The agreement will ease joint operations by the armed forces of the two countries during exercises. For example, if there is an Indian Navy ship in the US that needs refuelling, it can do it for free. But, sometime during the year, US military aircraft will land in India or navy vessels will visit your ports and refuel,” said Lt Gen Jeffrey B Kohler, Director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency.
While the LSA will enable the two countries to borrow military equipment from each on overseas deployment, it will not permit stocking of military hardware or weapons.
Mulford raises helicopter issue
NEW DELHI: With the $600-million deal to supply 197 light helicopters to the Indian Army under scrutiny due to doubts on the selection procedure, US Ambassador David Mulford met Defence Minister AK Antony on Friday to express his hope for a ‘fair and open process’ on military acquisitions. “Our ambassador discussed the issue with your minister. The company (Bell Helicopters) is ready to play a role in a fair and open process,” Director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency Lt Gen Jeffrey Kohler said.
http://www.indianexpress.com/iep/sunday/story/205023.html
Indian Navy seeks second troop carrier from US
New Delhi, July 14 : The Indian Navy has sought a second troop carrier from the US to build on its newly acquired capabilities but Washington would have to clear the sale of the ship before a deal was negotiated, a senior US military officer said Saturday.
“The Indian Navy has expressed interest in the USS Nashville. Congress has not yet approved the ship for transfer (sale). That is likely to happen next year and we can then begin negotiations,” Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kohler, director of the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, told reporters here.
The Indian Navy had last month commissioned INS Jalashva, formerly the USS Trenton landing platform dock (LPD) it purchased for $53.5 million. The ship is expected to sail to India later this month from Norfolk, where it was extensively refitted after being decommissioned from the US Navy.
Kohler also admitted to a $5 billion cost escalation in the Jalashva deal.
“Both sides had agreed to control costs but unexpected issues arose. For instance, we had estimated that four ballast tanks needed work. It turned out to be twice the number,” he explained.
“There was the question of standards. We felt the tanks needed two coats of paint. The Indians said they needed four coats and we complied. Then, the cost of fuel had not been factored in. This alone cost $1 million. All this added up,” Kohler added.
The vessel was originally expected to cost $48.3 million. This has now gone up to $53.5 million.
Kohler also said the two navies had “learnt a lot by working together” on refitting the ship.
“I can say that Indian officers and sailors can serve as a model to their tremendous leadership abilities and their capacity to absorb technology,” he added.
“We’ve learnt a lot by working together,” Kohler maintained, adding: “The next time, we will be well prepared.”
The Indian Navy had sorely felt the need for a vessel like Jalashva in the wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as it found it difficult to berth its vessels carrying rescue material as the jetties in most of the affected areas had been damaged.
In such a situation, a ship like Jalashva would anchor offshore and unload personnel and material via the four mechanised landing craft and six helicopters the vessel carries.
For military operations, Jalashva is capable of carrying 900 troops in full combat gear.
-— IANS
http://www.newkerala.com/july.php?action=fullnews&id=46651
All of this is very good news and will not make the Shanghai Accord people happy. Nor should it. This, IMHO, is long overdue.
Great news BUMP!!!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.