India to have military attaché in US Navy's Bahrain command
In what is being described as a "path-breaking" development by military officials, India is set to have a military attaché in the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) in Bahrain. This heralds a new chapter in US-India defense ties. This decision was finalized during Defense Secretary Sanjay Mitra's visit to the Pentagon last week. What does this imply? Here's more about it.
What were the other decisions taken?
Pentagon has also reportedly agreed to an Indian military representative at the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx). DIUx is a US government unit funding private companies working on avant-garde defense technologies. India-US also agreed to jointly participate in tri-service amphibious exercises along the Indian coast. Further, they decided to increase the scope of trilateral naval exercises with Japan; Australia could be the new entrant.
What does an Indian attaché in NAVCENT signify?
NAVCENT is in-charge of naval operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Gulf countries. It is also a leading player in anti-piracy and counter-terrorist operations in the Arabian Sea. Defense ministry officials insist that an Indian presence there would ensure better coordination and logistical support for warships and aircraft carriers between the two countries. Moreover, it would help diplomatically if India-US navies have the same wavelength.
How will a representative at DIUx help India?
Further, the Indian representative at DIUx will gain first-hand experience on how Pentagon and private sector co-operate for national security. He/she will then attempt to replicate this model, of identifying/investing in companies that will fulfill India's defense capabilities, through the "Make in India" rubric.
Meanwhile, India-US two-plus-two meeting has been postponed
Notably, these developments come even as the first India-US two-plus-two meeting that was tentatively scheduled for April 18-19 has been postponed for now. This was due to uncertainty over the confirmation of the nomination of ex-CIA director Mike Pompeo as the new Secretary of State. This dialogue will elevate India-US's strategic relationship, focusing on peace and stability across Indo-Pacific region and containing the China threat.
