India, US logistics support in defence soon: Parrikar

India and the US are working on a key agreement that will give either country access to logistics support from the other besides refuelling and berthing facilities.

The pact, known as the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) will be concluded "in the coming months," defence minister Manohar Parrikar told reporters in New Delhi today at a joint press conference with visiting US defence secretary Ashton Carter.

Parrikar announced a new maritime security dialogue and an upgradation of dialogue between the two navies to cover "submarine related issues."

Highlights from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's press briefing:

-- India-US Defence Technology and Trade Initiative. DTTI has provided an unprecedented platform for our two countries to strengthen bilateral cooperation in cutting-edge technologies and to address procedural delays in decision-making.


-- DTTI will focus on key areas such as Jet Engine technology and aircraft carriers.

-- Expand DTTI by introducing new and more ambitious projects under the Make in India initiative.

-- Even as India works with the United States to realize the full potential of India's Act East policy, it also seek a closer partnership with the United States to promote our shared interests in India's West, especially in the context of the emerging situation in West Asia.

-- Setting up a new bilateral Maritime Security Dialogue between officials from Defence and External Affairs Ministries in both countries.

-- Enhancement of on-going Navy-to-Navy discussions to cover submarine-related issues.

-- Cooperation in Maritime Domain Awareness by finalizing a 'White Shipping' Agreement.

-- In principle both countries have agreed to a Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in the coming months.

-- Closer bilateral cooperation with the United States on counter-terrorism.

Pic: Defence minister Manohar Parrikar greets US defence secretary Ashton Carter during his visit to Naval Base Karwar, Karnataka on Monday. Photo: PTI