While speaking on the latest India-United States Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said that the agreement will make joint military operations between the two countries more efficient.

Cook also said that strong defense ties between the two countries would help enhance regional security.

While speaking with reporters at a news conference on Wednesday, Cook said, “We think it will make the conduct of our operations with the Indian military that much more efficient and effective. And again, it’s very consistent with agreements we have with other countries.”

Answering to a question about adverse reaction from India’s neighborhood on the pact Cook said that no country needs to worry about the pact.

He said, “I would speak to the positive nature about this agreement, which is to enhance the security relationship between our two countries, and security in the region. This agreement and our relationship with India should not be cause for concern for others.”

“We see this as an opportunity to strengthen out ties with India, our defense ties. And that those enhanced relations represent a security enhancement for the region as a whole,” he added further.

Gary Ross, Department of defense spokesperson, Commander US Navy told a news agency that the LEMOA agreement facilitates mutual logistical support between the USA and Indian Armed Forces by permitting the exchange of authorized supplies and services on short notice without requiring advance payment.

He further stated that the agreement becomes especially important given the increasing number of military-to-military exercises that the two countries conduct.

Earlier this week, Defense minister Manohar Parrikar and US defense secretary Ashton Carter had signed the LEMOA agreement during the former’s three day visit to United States, to facilitate opportunities for ‘practical engagement and exchange’.

By Prajakt K.