US military aircraft refuels at Indian base for first time under defence pact

In a landmark event underscoring the strengthening strategic partnership between India and the United States, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft successfully refuelled at an Indian military base in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for the first time in September 2020. This operation was conducted under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), signed by both nations in 2016, facilitating enhanced military cooperation.

Significance of the First Refuelling Operation

The P-8 Poseidon, a sophisticated long-range anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance aircraft, landed at the Indian base, refuelled, and resumed its mission after a brief stop. While refuelling is a routine military operation, this instance carries immense strategic importance amid rising tensions between India and China, particularly in the Ladakh region. It demonstrates the growing defense collaboration between India and the U.S. and signals their shared commitment to security in the Indo-Pacific region.

Understanding the LEMOA Agreement

Signed in 2016, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) allows mutual access to each other’s military facilities for refuelling, replenishment, and logistical support. This includes provisions such as food, water, transportation, medical services, and repair and maintenance. LEMOA enables smoother coordination during joint exercises, deployments, and operations, enhancing interoperability between the two militaries.

Under LEMOA, India also gains strategic access to key U.S. bases such as Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean and Guam in the Pacific, further deepening operational reach and cooperation.

Previous Refuelling Operations and This Milestone

Before this historic aircraft refuelling, the U.S. Navy had refuelled Indian naval vessels under LEMOA, including a tanker refuelling an Indian ship in the Sea of Japan in 2017 and an Indian ship refuelled by a U.S. tanker in September 2020. However, this was the first time an American aircraft was refuelled on Indian soil, marking a new chapter in bilateral defense relations.

The refuelling was conducted through a fuel agreement between the Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) and the Indian Ministry of Defense, supporting fuel exchanges during joint operations and training exercises.

Strategic Impact and Future Prospects

DLA Energy officials emphasized that this refuelling mission reflects the increasing strategic importance of the U.S.-India defense partnership. The agencies involved ensured a seamless operation, with plans to expand such refuelling and logistical support activities. Currently, fuel sales and purchases under LEMOA are managed through annual orders, with ongoing negotiations for a long-term implementing arrangement to institutionalize the process further.

This milestone aligns with other defense agreements such as the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) signed in 2018, collectively strengthening the bilateral defense framework and promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Summary of Key Details

This historic refuelling operation marks a significant step forward in India-U.S. defense cooperation, enhancing mutual operational capabilities and reinforcing a strategic alliance vital for maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific theater.