India and US on October 27, 2020 held the 3rd bilateral 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi.
- From the Indian side, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar led the delegation. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper led the US delegation. India and US signed five agreements in total.
- Both countries signed the landmark defence pact BECA. Signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, BECA after signing of LEMOA in 2016 and COMCASA in 2018 is a significant achievement.
- The signing of BECA is significant as it allows India to use global geospatial maps of the United States for accuracy of stand-off weapons like cruise and ballistic missiles.
Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
- The Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement is related to geospatial intelligence, and sharing information on maps and satellite images for defence.
- It will allow India to use the US’s advanced geospatial intelligence and enhance the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones.
- It will give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting.
- It will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary.
Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)
- India and US signed the LEMOA in August 2016.
- It gives access, to both countries, to designated military facilities on either side for the purpose of refuelling and replenishment.
Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)
- It was signed in September 2018.
- It allows the US to provide India with its encrypted communications equipment and systems so that Indian and US military commanders, aircraft and ships can communicate through secure networks in peace and war.
(Source AIR and Indian Express)
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