Ashton Carter reached New Delhi on Wednesday, in what will be his last official trip as US defence secretary to India. During his tenure, Carter showed personal interest in building a closer defence relationship with India.
He shares a special rapport with his Indian counterpart, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. Carter, by his own admission, has spent more time with him than with "any other defence counterpart anywhere in the world". The visit is not expected to see any defence deals being signed, and is more of a "thanksgiving one." Both are expected to review the bilateral defence cooperation.
"No new decisions are likely to be taken, but there might be a forward movement in some old issues," a senior MoD official said, PTI reported.
The two countries could work on finalising the provisions for US giving India the status of "Major Defence Partner" in June.
Before Carter leaves New Delhi, he is expected to call on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Guardian drones
There has been some confusion regarding the possible sale of 22 Guardian drones for the Indian Navy. A recent article in Sputnik News had quoted Indian Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre as saying that India has no plans of buying it. However, Indian media has not reported any such statement made by Bhamre.
Lemoa
Both sides signed the historic logistics exchange agreement called Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). This will eventually allow the US and Indian navies to receive logistical support at each other's facilities. The agreement is yet to become operational as both sides are working out the finer details.
Strategic partners
Carter had earlier said that India and US are "destined to be strategic partners" and that the US is closer to easing of regulation on defence exports to India.
Increase in joint military exercises
Another aspect of the rising relationship is the increase in pace with regards to joint military exercises between the two countries.
A familiar figure in Delhi: welcoming #SecDef Carter for an important visit to advance US-India security ties #USIndiaDefense pic.twitter.com/jRh9otiCKe
— Rich Verma (@USAmbIndia) December 7, 2016
Recent deals
Since the Obama administration took over, India's relations with the US improved in scope and dimensions. Recently, India signed a deal for 145 M777 howitzer systems under the US' Foreign Ministry Sales programme.
This is the first time that an outgoing US defence secretary has included India in his final overseas trip itinerary. Carter is also expected to travel to Japan, Bahrain, Israel, Italy and the UK.
It has to been seen if President-elect Donald Trump will take forward the Obama administration's Asia Pivot strategy, designed to counter an assertive China.
It must also be seen if Trump's nominee for the US defence secretary's job, Gen James Mattis (retd), will carry on the legacy of Carter, who has made India an important ally in the Asia Pivot strategy.
