What is the significance of Indo-US deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region (250 words)
The Indo-US defense deals, also known as the foundational agreements, are a series of four agreements that govern the nature and scope of the defense partnership between India and the United States. These agreements include the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
The significance of these deals for the Indo-Pacific region includes:
- Enhancing capabilities: The agreements allow the US military to enhance its capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region through information sharing, platform sharing, and logistics support. This can contribute to stability in the region by increasing the ability of the US and India to respond to potential threats.
- Mutual trust: The conclusion of these agreements represents an increased level of mutual trust between the US and India. This trust can serve as a foundation for further cooperation in the region and can help to promote stability through greater cooperation between the two countries.
- Deterring potential enemies: The US has more than 100 such agreements with its partners around the world as it aims to maintain its supremacy in the world, protect its economic interests, and deter its potential enemies. By signing these agreements with India, the US may be seeking to deter potential adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region and contribute to stability.
In comparison, the Indo-Russian defense deals (ex- purchase of the S-400 air defense system and the lease of the Akula-class submarine) focus more on economic and military cooperation between the two countries. While these deals may also contribute to stability in the region, they do not have the same focus on enhancing capabilities, mutual trust, and deterring potential adversaries as the Indo-US defense deals.
