India and the United States have signed a key logistics agreement that will enable US and Indian forces to use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter told reporters at the Pentagon last night that he and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar formally signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, LEMOA. The two leaders had agreed on the memorandum in principle when they last met in India in April. <br/><br/>Mr Carter said that the agreement is fully mutual and makes joint operations easier and more efficient. The two leaders stressed that the agreement does not allow each nation to set up bases on the other, but to use bases and equipment only for operating together when they choose to. During Parrikar's visit to the Pentagon, the two leaders discussed India's recent designation as a major US defence partner. <br/><br/>Yesterday's talks at the Pentagon, the sixth meeting between the two leaders, comes ahead of key annual exercises in India between US and Indian forces. On Parrikar arrival at the Pentagon yesterday, he was given an enhanced honour cordon. The enhanced honour is reserved for valued guests and visitors during which national anthems are played. After the ceremonial welcome, Mr Parrikar laid wreath at the 9/11 Memorial, following which the two leaders headed for talks.