India and the United States on Monday signed a key defence pact that will enable the two countries to share military assets and bases and work together on the maintenance of supplies. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement was signed jointly by Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter, as part of Parrikar’s ongoing trip to the US.

The pact will allow the two countries to boost “practical engagement and exchange”. Through it, the US and Indian militaries will provide each other trade opportunities and innovative technology in the sector, PTI reported.

Parrikar and Carter, during their meeting, touched upon several topics, including bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism operations in the sub-continent. Parrikar said, “The forces that seek to undermine our progress and our ways of life require our comprehensive and robust response. We appreciate the support from United States in our efforts to eliminate terrorism in India’s neighbourhood.”

The two nations also agreed to built relations in the spheres of maritime security, special operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.