News Highlight
U.K.- Japan Defence Pact: The visit and agreement form part of Britain’s Indo-Pacific tilt in foreign policy strategy as it builds security and trade ties.
Key Takeaway
- The U.K. and Japan signed a defence pact on January 11, permitting troops’ deployment in each other’s countries and increasing security cooperation.
- Moreover, the move comes as Britain is undertaking a ‘tilt’ towards the Indo-Pacific in its foreign and security policy.
- The Reciprocal Access Agreement is hugely significant for both nations.
- It cements their commitment to the Indo-Pacific and underlines our joint efforts to bolster economic security.
- It accelerates their defence cooperation and drives innovation that creates highly skilled jobs.
Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA)
- About
- Firstly, the agreement would enable both armies to plan and carry out more critical sophisticated military exercises and deployments.
- In addition, it is the most important deal signed between the two countries since the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Alliance in 1902.
- Furthermore, the decision coincides with Britain’s foreign and security policy ’tilt’ toward the Indo-Pacific.
Other recent developments
- The Global Combat Air Programme was formed in December when Japan’s F-X fighter aircraft was combined with the UK and Italy’s ‘Tempest‘ programmes.
- In December 2022, the United Kingdom and Japan announced a digital collaboration to expand cooperation in semiconductors, cyber resilience, and online safety.
- As well as, UK will concentrate on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
- Later, the UK and Japan will discuss Japan’s G7 chair, support for Ukraine, and supply chain resilience.
India’s Reciprocal Exchange of Troops Agreements
- India is quickly concluding reciprocal military logistics treaties with like-minded countries to expand its strategic and naval operational.
- Subsequently, to reach throughout the Indian Ocean region (IOR) and beyond.
- The mutual logistical support agreement (MLSA) with Australia will assist us in extending the reach of our warships in the southern Indian Ocean region and the Western Pacific region for India.
- The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed with the United States in 2016, France in 2018, and Japan in 2020.
India’s Relations with Japan
- Defence Exercises
- JIMEX (naval), SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and Dharma Guardian are bilateral exercises organised by India and Japan’s defence forces (Army).
- Milestones in developing defence cooperation include Japan’s initial participation in the multilateral exercise MILAN and the operationalisation of the Reciprocal Provision of Supply and Services Agreement in March 2022.
- Furthermore, both countries also participate in the Malabar.
Pic Courtesy: The Diplomat
Content Source: The Hindu