Trapezing with defence cooperation

India has come into defence frameworks with several neighbours.

- By Austin Fernando

India and Myanmar have signed an MoU on bilateral defence cooperation. Gating in deepen military-to-military ties in the areas of training, maritime security, military supplies, and joint surveillance.

India and Nepal have a long history of military cooperation, including joint exercises, training exchanges, and the recruitment of Gurkhas into the Indian Army, with the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship playing a key role in shaping these ties. Recently there have been minor skirmishes in the Kalapani area, but serious political camps are foreseen, though empty threats were made by Nepalese PM Oli sometime back.

Bhutan and India have agreed not to allow their territory to be used for activities harmful to the national security and interest of the other. India allows Bhutan the free import of defence material from or through India, thus ensuring that the Bhutanese intentions are friendly and there is no danger to India.

India has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the Maldivian defence capabilities by providing defence equipment and platforms, reflecting India’s policy of “Strengthening Island” security and defence cooperation between the two nations. India supports Maldivian infrastructure development, training in military, institutional building, and has funded over a coastal radar system, comprising 10 radar stations, built with a $ 15.6 million, Indian grant.

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has signed defence cooperation agreements with India. The Bangladesh Navy signed a deal with India’s state-run engineering corporation for an $80-million ocean-going tug, financed by a $ 500 million line of credit India provided for defence purchases. India has settled a longstanding border dispute too. However, such cooperation and other agreements reached in other spheres were disputed by the peoples which finally ousted PM Hasina.

So, why indeed India suggest a Defence Cooperation Agreement with Sri Lanka?