The new international accord has been sealed in order to facilitate military exchanges and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.The landmark treaty also allows military ships and aircraft to refuel and access maintenance facilities.<\/p>\n
The agreement - known as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement - was reached during a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.<\/p>\n
It had been the first time the Indian Prime Minister held virtual discussions with a foreign leader since the global pandemic began.<\/p>\n
Upon announcing the agreement, Prime Minister Modi appeared to take a swipe at Beijing following weeks of conflict at the disputed border.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Mr Modi said: \"We share democratic values, the rule of law, freedoms, and respect for international institutions.<\/p>\n
When these are being challenged, we need to strengthen our cooperation.\"<\/p>\n
Mr Morrison added: \"It is time for our relationship to grow broader and deeper.<\/p>\n
Relations between India and China continue to be strained with thousands of unarmed troops locked in a standoff along the 2,000 mile-long border.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
According to Indian security officials Beijing forces intruded into Indian territory along the western Himalayas something China denies.<\/p>\n
Tensions have also escalated over Indias plan to construct a road near the Galwan valley which is regarded as a disputed region.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile India continue to strengthen ties with the US and Prime Minister Modi held talks with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
READ MORE:Coronavirus map LIVE: Hospital death toll up 133 - huge weekly drop<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
It is understood the two world leaders discussed \"the situation on the India-China border and Mr Trump reportedly offered to help Delhi.<\/p>\n
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has downplayed tensions and insisted the region remains stable and controllable but warned against intervention from a \"third party\".<\/p>\n
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said: \"At present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is stable and controllable.<\/p>\n
\"On border-related issues, there have been sound mechanisms and channels of communication between China and India, and the two sides are capable of properly resolving relevant issues through dialogue and consultation.<\/p>\n
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\"There is no need for any third party to intervene.\"<\/p>\n
Fractions between China and Australia have also surfaced in recent months after Australian officials called for an independent investigation into the origin of coronavirus.<\/p>\n
China has since impose economic sanctions on Australian goods.Since May 12, China banned Australian beef and put 80 percent tariffs on Australian barley imports.<\/p>\n
China is Australias largest trading partner and according to figures released by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, trade between the two nations totalled 115billion ($214bn) in 2018.<\/p>\n
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Originally posted here: <\/p>\n
WW3: India and Australia share access to each other's military bases in warning to China - Express.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The new international accord has been sealed in order to facilitate military exchanges and exercises in the Indo-Pacific region.The landmark treaty also allows military ships and aircraft to refuel and access maintenance facilities. The agreement - known as the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement - was reached during a virtual summit between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison Continue reading