What are the notable features of the recently concluded pact or the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between India and Japan? How is it likely to address the security concerns of India?.(UPSC CSE Mains 2020 - Political Science and International Relations, Paper 2).
Recently, India and Japan signed a logistics agreement that will allow armed forces of both sides to coordinate closely in services and supplies. The agreement is known as Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA).
- India has similar agreements with theUSA, Australia, France, Oman and Singapore.
- The Agreement:
- It isaimed at greater maritime cooperation and can upgrade India-Japan naval exercises as both countries are expected to share maritime facilities for mutual benefit.
- Itestablishes the enabling framework for closer cooperation between the armed forces of both countries in reciprocal provision of supplies and services while engaged in bilateral training activities, United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, Humanitarian International Relief and other mutually agreed activities.
- The supplies and services include food, water, transportation, airlift, petroleum, clothing, communications and medical services etc.
- It will alsoenhance the interoperability, assist in maintaining regional security and further increase the bilateral defence engagements between the two countries.
- It willremain in force for 10 years and will be automatically extended for periods of 10 years unless one of the parties decides to end it.
- The agreement is being interpreted as a coming together of Japan and India when India is having aborder standoff with China at Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
- India-Japan Defence Cooperation:
- In 2019, India and Japan held the first-ever ministerial-level2+2 dialogue. This dialogue involves the Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides and is seen as an endorsement of the special strategic partnership between India and Japan.
- Both nations share a common vision of a free, open, inclusive and rules-basedIndo-Pacific region in which the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are ensured.
- India and Japan defence forces organize a series of bilateral exercises namely,JIMEX (naval exercise), SHINYUU Maitri (air force exercise), and Dharma Guardian (military exercise). Both countries also participate in Malabar exercise with the USA.
- Both the countries are also part ofQuadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).
Road ahead
- India needs sophisticated weapons and technology from Japan, so more collaboration and cooperation can prove beneficial to both nations.
- There is huge potential as far asMake in India and defence deals are concerned. Joint ventures could be created by merging Japanese technology with Indian raw materials and labour.
- Closer cooperation is the best measure to combat China’s growing role in Asia and Indo-Pacific.
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