Pact on India-Japan-U.S. trilateral in the offing

[Vehl]

A Japan-India-United States trilateral — an idea on the boil for the past one year — will now come to fruition with all sides agreeing to discuss regional and international issues under this format.

“It was agreed to establish an India-Japan-United States trilateral dialogue on regional and global issues of shared interest. These consultations, agreed to earlier by the U.S., will be conducted by the Foreign Ministries of the three countries,” said a Ministry of External Affairs news release after the end of India-Japan Foreign Office consultations in Japan.

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The trilateral initiative was announced after all sides had tested the waters by holding a trilateral naval exercise off the coast of Okinawa in Japan. The earlier plan was to hold a India-U.S. naval exercise under the “Malabar Series” near Okinawa as India wanted the involvement the U.S. Marines, who were based in strength off this Japanese city. Along the way, it was decided to involve Japan as well.

more here
http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article1628673.ece

Tokyo talks triangle push

New Delhi, April 8: India and Japan today agreed to set up a trilateral dialogue with the US “on regional and global issues of shared interest”, a move bound to cause consternation in Beijing.

“The two sides (India and Japan) agreed to establish an India-Japan-US trilateral dialogue on regional and global issues of shared interest,” said an external affairs ministry statement on foreign secretary Nirupama Rao’s consultations with Japanese leaders during her two-day visit to Tokyo that started today.

The US has already given its nod to such a dialogue, to be conducted by the foreign ministries of the countries, the statement said.

Rao held discussions with Japanese vice-foreign minister Kenichiro Sasae and deputy foreign minister Koro Bessho. She also called on foreign minister Takeaki Matsumoto.

Sources said the trilateral dialogue would focus on discussing East Asian security. Countries in the region, led by Japan, have been apprehensive of the growing Chinese aggressiveness and have been pushing New Delhi to play a bigger role as a counterweight to Beijing. New Delhi and Tokyo, apart from their close trade ties, have of late worked towards deepening their strategic partnership.

more here
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110409/jsp/nation/story_13831740.jsp

Glad to see more cooperation between these three countries. :)
This cooperation has been growing from mid 90s onwards and has accelerated in the past few years, as these three nations find themselves faced with many similar threats/opportunities.

[northoftheborder]

1. interesting

[gordianot]

2. Excellent catch.

[pampango]

3. The Telegraph (Calcutta): Tokyo talks triangle push

http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110409/jsp/nation/story_13831740.jsp

India and Japan today agreed to set up a trilateral dialogue with the US “on regional and global issues of shared interest”, a move bound to cause consternation in Beijing.

“The two sides (India and Japan) agreed to establish an India-Japan-US trilateral dialogue on regional and global issues of shared interest,” said an external affairs ministry statement on foreign secretary Nirupama Rao’s consultations with Japanese leaders during her two-day visit to Tokyo that started today.

The US has already given its nod to such a dialogue, to be conducted by the foreign ministries of the countries, the statement said.

Sources said the trilateral dialogue would focus on discussing East Asian security. Countries in the region, led by Japan, have been apprehensive of the growing Chinese aggressiveness and have been pushing New Delhi to play a bigger role as a counterweight to Beijing. New Delhi and Tokyo, apart from their close trade ties, have of late worked towards deepening their strategic partnership.

All the articles I came across were from Indian sources. None were from Japan or the US. Not sure what that means.

[Vehl]

8. There is a lot going on, but not made public

There are reports on the Annual Malabar series of Naval exercises on the US 7th fleet site, as well as other military sites.

As of now India and America have annual Joint exercises for all 3 arms of the military

Red Flag USAF/IAF excercises
http://youtu.be/HkClGCHJcr4
^^ This video talks about the possibility of future military coalitions involving America, India and other nations

http://youtu.be/Pjm37Ps1BxM

^^ :fistbump:

Malabar Series for Joint Naval exercises
http://youtu.be/A7Id9cRbY4Q

Cope-India Series for the Airforces

Yudh-Abhayas Series for the Army.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGGXBQuM0CE

Malabar 2011 Enters Final Phase
http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2011/04-april/022.htm

Malabar is an annual bilateral naval field training exercise conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues. The exercise helps enhance military-to-military coordination between the two nations and help to strategize and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.
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“In today’s global environment all actions are in conjunction with a multilateral partner,” said Miller. As the U.S. and India are two of the largest democracies in the world, it’s important to conduct exercises like Malabar so we’re able to work effectively.”

Miller also commented on how Malabar strengthens ties between people of each Navy.
“Any time we’re able to work with the Indian Navy our ties are strengthened. A major component of the exercise is trading liaison officers and having officers from their Navy, Marine, and Special Operations board our ships as well as having our officers board theirs,” said Miller.

Miller pointed out how Malabar helps both navies accomplish common objectives in the region.

“One of our big objectives is theater security operations. That involves strengthening ties, freedom of seas, combating piracy, and helping secure worldwide trade. The Indian Navy provides a big piece of that and this exercise prepares us for any future requirements,” said Miller.

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Events that were executed as part of the exercise included; liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group exercise operations; formation maneuvering; helicopter cross deck evolutions; underway replenishments; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; visit, board, search and seizure; and anti submarine warfare.

And, due to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) completion in Operation Tomodachi, the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group’s location afforded the opportunity for the strike group to have limited participation in exercise Malabar.

In addition to Reagan, the strike group brought new participants to join Malabar including Carrier Strike Group 7; Destroyer Squadron 7; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14; USS Chancellorsville (CG 63); and USS Pebble. These additions brought approximately 5,000 Sailors to the exercise to work with other U.S. Navy units already participating since April 3 which include USS Stethem (DDG 63); USS Sterett (DDG 104); USS Reuben James (FFG 57); and a nuclear-powered attack submarine.

some interesting pictures from previous excercises

Indian Navy Rear Adm. Anurag G. Thapliyal, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Rear Adm. Hitoshi Noguchi greet each other as they are escorted by Vice Adm. John M. Bird, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet, aboard the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19). The admirals were aboard for breakfast in the Admiral’s cabin at the conclusion of Exercise Malabar 2009. The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Navy are participating in Malabar, an annual exercise led by the Indian Navy. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Viramontes/Released)

110408-N-IC111-016 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 8, 2011) Indian navy Rear Adm. Harish Bisht, flag officer of Commanding Eastern Fleet, returns honors as he walks through rainbow side boys aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan is participating in Exercise Malabar, a bi-lateral coordination with the Indian navy and is operating in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin B. Gray/Released)

110408-N-IC111-046 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 8, 2011) Rear Adm. Robert Girrier, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7, explains the role of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in Operation Tomodachi to Indian naval officers of the Eastern Fleet. Ronald Reagan is participating in Exercise Malabar, a bi-lateral coordination with the Indian navy and is operating in the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin B. Gray/Released)

[Obamanaut]

4. One wonders if the trilateral agreement includes equal contributions

of money, personnel, and equipment.

[Vehl]

6. Somewhat Different

If I remember correctly, This Trilateral agreement is geared towards the eventual goal of the Indian Navy policing the IOR (Indian Ocean Region) while freeing up US assets for Middle East, and the Pacific (a few decades from now..when the Chinese Navy hypothetically would pose a threat to the American interests in the Pacific).

The strategy envisioned expects India to Guarantee American, Japanese and other Allied (Including South East Asian, Korean, Australian, Taiwanese) Commercial and military Traffic through the Indian Ocean Region in the event of Hostilities with China. This would entail the Indian Navy, in Conjunction with the USN ,Other allied navies blocking the choke points into/out of the Indian Ocean/South East Asian seas (Malacca Straits..etc etc). The most important points to consider here is that 80% of China's oil flows past India's doorstep. Any future conflict America,India or its Allied nations have with China would most definitely result in a blockade of Oil Shipments to China.

The Malabar series of exercises held by the US-Indian navies have been centered around such a scenario, and also ensuring that Both Navies, along with the Japanese self defence force, and other Allied navies can work together seamlessly

The Indo-American Annual Naval Excercise Malabar is going on right now.

PHILIPPINE SEA – The United States and Indian navies officially started operations marking the beginning of the joint exercise Malabar 2011, April 2.

The exercise will incorporate American and Indian personnel and assets in a bilateral field training exercise to enhance bonds and relationships between the two navies. The exercise will also increase compatibility and interoperability between the two maritime forces, fostering common security goals.

The guided-missile frigate USS Rueben James (FFG 57) Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Miller, said the exercise will enhance American and Indian military coordination.

“We’re excited about having the opportunity to operate with the Indian navy. Anytime we have support from the Indian Navy it acts as a force multiplier,” said Miller. “We share many common objectives in the region.”

Indian pilot Lt. K. Srinivasan from the Indian Navy guided-missile destroyer INS Delhi (D 61), embarked aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) as a liaison officer, said the exercise fosters a good environment for the two navies to learn from each other and test their compatibility.

“I’ve seen two Malabar exercises as a pilot and there’s always a lot for the Indian navy to learn and the American navy as well,” said Srinivasan. “The exercise is very important Very important. You don’t really know how well two navies will perform together until you operate together.”

The Indian Navy Rajput-class guided-missile destroyer INS Ranvijay (D 55) Commanding Officer Capt. Dil Bag-Singh, said he looks forward to exercises like this, because it strengthens the bond and personal relationship between the two navies.

“It’s a pleasure to be in an exercise with the U.S. Navy. It’s the largest most powerful Navy in the world,” said Bag-Singh. “This exercise helps us strengthen our interoperability and work on strategy. We have common goals and interests in this region and I’m sure this exercise will be a success.”

The ships participating in this year’s Malabar exercise include Rueben James, the destroyers Stethem and USS Sterett (DDG 104) and a nuclear powered attack submarine. Indian Navy ships include fuel tanker INS Jyoti (A 58), guided-missile corvette INS Kirch (P62), and the destroyers Delhi, Ranvijay, and INS Ranvir (D54).

http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2011/04-april/007.htm

An image from the currently ongoing Malabar 2011 exercise

[Obamanaut]

7. Not necessarily different. As you'll recall, the US was paying 80% of the

French expenses in the last several years of the French involvement in Indochina.

About the same time that Truman sent military advisors. That didn't turn out well at all.

That's what prompted my question. How much will any agreement cost the US, really.

My MIL used to start out her project suggestions with "Let's...", and there would be several people involved - at the beginning. It was usually a very short time I'd look around and I'd be the only member of the "Let's..." group.

[Vehl]

9. Each navy pays for itself

at least in this particular case. There seems to be a convergence of interests which seem to be mutually supportive.

America wants to free up most of its Naval assets in the Indian Ocean/SEA region to concentrate more in the middle east, Japan/China area.

India on the other hand, is expanding its navy...with an envisioned 5 Carrier group fleet around 2020-25 (Has one operational carrier right now, another One being built in India..and another being refitted in Russia). It wants to ensure that the Indian Ocean would be its "mare nostrum" in the event of any conflict with China in the future. This desire slots in well with the US Navy's requirements.
The Indian navy/Government does not seek any monetary aid from the US, but is in fact positively glad that their Naval expansion is not only contested but actively encouraged by the US and the SEA/EA(except China) nations.

The Japanese(and to a lesser extent, the Vietnamese, South Korean, taiwanese, Australian and Singaporen) Navies are seeking more US-Indian.Naval support in the event of a future conflict.They are also actively seeking out strategic cooperation/alliance with India in light of a future threat from China(as evidenced by the recent spate of high level military/diplomatic interaction between these nations)

Thus each nation involved in this has its own vested interest which spurs their cooperation with each other. The real or perceived threat of China is the actual(yet unvoiced) force behind this cooperation.

[Obamanaut]

10. "Each navy pays for itself..." today. We have no guarantee of tomorrow,

and change is everpresent.

[Vehl]

11. Are there any Guatantee of tomorrow ever?

For anything?

[Obamanaut]

12. Absolutely not. And that is my argument. What 'they say' today may sound good, but

what will be the cost tomorrow.

Using my earlier example - Truman sent some advisors and a few million dollars to Indochina. Fifty thousand plus deaths, twenty years, and many millions of dollars later the US left Saigon.

[Vehl]

13. Sure

But then again its part of life.

Lets take the hypothetical situation of America getting into a conflict with china 30 years from now. Would it make sense to have a coalition of like minded nations to support it...or not? I have serious doubts that America can win in a conflict against China 30-40 year from now..all by itself.If this trilateral(and the eventual inclusion of other SEA(south east asian) countries)coalition gets underway seriously, as it seems to be right now...20, 30 years from now there wont be a need for affected nations to run around trying to shore up support/aid from other countries.It would be too late then and way too expensive.

prevention is better than cure...and always far cheaper. Furthermore, I really do not see how Truman's example fits in with this...as there are no advisers or monetary aid involved. In fact this would result in a considerable amount of saving...if the other nations accept What America is proposing...of Sharing shipping facility resources. Why build multiple ports when the USN could port and refuel/resupply in already existing coalition ports..and vice versa? It removes the need to have parallel..and massively wasteful shipping/port facilities around the world.

[Obamanaut]

14. Considering that there are no tomorrow guarantees, 30 years from now

the folks who will be a part of the trilateral agreement may well dislike the US immensely, even after possibly benefitting from aid and comfort for 29 of them.

I think the Truman example fits in thusly - it was a French operation, the French ran out of money, the US had some (or printed some) to give to them to support their Indochina effort, with some advisors tossed in to sweeten the pot. This is an aside, with no backup link - I read years ago that the French became so tired of that war that they blocked the harbors where the French ships brought in casualties from that war, and those casualties/bodies were offloaded elsewhere and brought into the country by rail. I cannot verify this, just something that stuck in a memory cell.

Then the French went away, and 50,000 dead troops and a few presidents later, the US went away also.

With the US carrier fleet being nuclear powered, each one has massive storage space for fuel for the aircraft and assorted escort vessels that still use conventional fuel. There is less need for multiple ports for resupply. Additionally, the aircraft on the carrier can get quite close to land prior to taking off on any mission of destruction, and, there are tankers aboard the carrier to refuel those aircraft in flight.

I think we can label me a borderline isolationist, maybe even over the border a little. I just cannot see the continued need for over 700 US military sites (of assorted sizes) around the globe - with the expense of upkeep, personnel (and sometimes families), civilian employees from the local economies. There is enough broken stuff in the US a lot of that money could be used for, maybe even a few jobs, or some medications for the old/infirm/poor.

But, I've enjoyed typing with you. Thanks.

[xchrom]

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