Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- During a telephone conversation between Prime Minister of India N. Modi and Prime Minister of Japan S. Abe, the parties agreed on the need for close cooperation in the field of security and economic interaction. The parties signed a pact on cooperation in the field of military logistics. The 10-year agreement will automatically renew for a similar period, unless one of the parties decides to terminate it.

According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, the agreement will further deepen defense cooperation between the two countries and will become an important instrument for ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific Region (ITR). It is noted that thanks to the agreement, the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the Indian Armed Forces will be able to supply each other with goods, including provisions, fuel, spare parts for equipment. It will be possible to share facilities during UN exercises or peacekeeping operations. In turn, a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry said that this agreement will allow it to contribute to international peace and security.

Japan already has similar agreements with the US, UK, France, Canada and Australia. In June this year. India has also signed similar agreements with the United States and Australia that provide mutual access to each country’s respective military bases.

Bilateral military pacts of India and Japan with the US, Australia and other countries are viewed by analysts as part of efforts to contain China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This military bilateral pact was concluded against the backdrop of tense confrontation between India and China on the disputed sections of their border in the Himalayas. Japan and India are worried about Beijing’s militaristic ambitions in the region. both countries have territorial conflicts with him.

In general, as the observers emphasize, India has recently significantly intensified its bilateral cooperation in the field of security and defense. The Indian authorities are trying to use all available opportunities to contain China. In this context, India will seek to participate in the formats in which the United States is present. Washington also pursues similar goals, in particular, it is interested in New Delhi adopting the American ITR concept, which involves the creation of an anti-Chinese coalition.