Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) is a crucial enabler for deeper military cooperation between countries. The recently concluded ACSA between India and Japan, signed in September 2020, represents a significant step forward in their strategic partnership. Historically, India and Japan have enjoyed strong economic ties, but security cooperation has been relatively nascent. However, growing concerns over China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific region and the need for a rules-based international order have spurred both nations to enhance their defense collaboration. This agreement facilitates logistical support, enabling smoother joint exercises and potentially aiding in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, thereby bolstering India’s security posture.
Notable Features of the India-Japan ACSA
The ACSA between India and Japan allows for reciprocal provision of logistical support, supplies, and services between their armed forces. Key features include:
- Reciprocal Logistical Support: Both countries can access each other’s military bases and facilities for refueling, maintenance, and other logistical needs during joint exercises, HADR operations, or any other mutually agreed-upon activities.
- Financial Arrangements: The agreement outlines the framework for cost recovery. Generally, the country providing the support will be reimbursed by the receiving country, although exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Scope of Support: The support covers a wide range of items, including food, fuel, transportation, spare parts, and medical services.
- Exclusions: The ACSA does *not* involve the transfer of military equipment or weapons systems. It is strictly limited to logistical support.
- Duration and Termination: The agreement has an initial validity of ten years and is automatically extended for subsequent ten-year periods unless either party provides a year’s notice of termination.
Addressing India’s Security Concerns
The ACSA is expected to address several key security concerns of India:
1. Enhanced Interoperability and Joint Military Exercises
The agreement significantly enhances interoperability between the Indian and Japanese armed forces. It streamlines logistical arrangements for joint military exercises like the ‘Malabar’ exercise (which also includes the US and Australia), allowing for more complex and realistic training scenarios. This improved interoperability is crucial for coordinated responses to regional security challenges.
2. Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific
India views the Indo-Pacific region as strategically vital, and the ACSA strengthens its ability to project power and maintain maritime security in the area. Japan’s advanced naval capabilities, combined with India’s growing maritime strength, can contribute to a more balanced security architecture in the region, countering China’s increasing influence. The agreement facilitates longer-range deployments and sustained presence in critical sea lanes.
3. HADR Capabilities
Both India and Japan are prone to natural disasters. The ACSA enables quicker and more effective HADR responses. For example, in the event of a major earthquake or tsunami, the agreement allows for rapid deployment of relief supplies and personnel from either country to the affected area. This is particularly important given the geographical proximity and shared vulnerabilities of both nations.
4. Countering China’s Assertiveness
While not explicitly stated, a significant driver behind the ACSA is the growing concern over China’s assertive behavior in the Indo-Pacific, including its activities in the South China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The agreement signals a strengthening of the Quad (India, Japan, US, Australia) and demonstrates a collective commitment to upholding a rules-based international order. It provides India with greater flexibility in responding to potential contingencies.
5. Supply Chain Resilience
The ACSA can contribute to greater supply chain resilience for India’s defense forces. Access to Japanese logistical facilities can help ensure the uninterrupted flow of critical supplies and spare parts, particularly during times of crisis or geopolitical instability.
Comparison with Similar Agreements
India has similar ACSA agreements with the United States (signed in 2016) and Australia (signed in 2020). These agreements collectively enhance India’s logistical capabilities and strengthen its partnerships with key allies. However, the India-Japan ACSA is unique due to the specific geopolitical context and the historical relationship between the two countries.
| Agreement | Country | Year Signed | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACSA | United States | 2016 | Reciprocal logistical support, access to bases, cost reimbursement. |
| ACSA | Australia | 2020 | Similar to US ACSA, focusing on HADR and joint exercises. |
| ACSA | Japan | 2020 | Reciprocal logistical support, emphasis on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. |
Conclusion
The India-Japan ACSA is a landmark agreement that significantly enhances India’s security capabilities and strengthens its strategic partnership with Japan. It facilitates greater interoperability, improves HADR responses, and contributes to a more balanced security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. While the agreement does not address all of India’s security challenges, it is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and capable defense posture. Future cooperation should focus on expanding the scope of joint exercises and exploring opportunities for co-development of defense technologies.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.