The third 2+2 dialogue between India and the US took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. Several important agreements were signed between the two countries, including the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). Apart from this, there was an agreement between the two countries on increasing nuclear cooperation. In the two plus two meeting, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper met their Indian counterparts S.Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh.
How BECA will help?
Jeevesh Nandan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Defence signed the BECA agreement on behalf of India. This agreement will facilitate the way for India to get technology related to US cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. At the same time, India will also be able to take sensitive satellite data from the US, so that every activity of enemy countries will be closely monitored. Rajnath Singh said that we are happy that we have completed the BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement), which will open new avenues in information sharing.
Under this agreement, India will be able to use geo-strategic maps, satellite imagery, and other classified data from the US, which will help India in planning its future strategy. Apart from this, this agreement will help India to precisely target drone attacks including cruise and ballistic missiles. India will also be able to use US Aeronautics and navigation charts, geo-magnetic, geo-physical and gravitational data. This agreement will help India navigate the Pacific Ocean. BECA will make it easier to procure the equipment needed for state-of-the-art shipping and air force.
After the meeting, India and the US resolved to increase their cooperation by issuing a joint statement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “ the US and India are taking steps to strengthen cooperation against all kinds of threats, including the Chinese Communist Party. In the last year we have expanded our cooperation on cyber issues, our navies have helped in joint exercises in the Indian Ocean.”
At the same time, Rajnath Singh said, “our economies have suffered. We are trying to revive industries and service sectors. Our partnership becomes more important in view of the current challenges. We both believe in rules-based order and democracy.”
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Foreign Minister S Jaishankar said, “ at a time when maintaining a rules-based international system is particularly important, India and the US have the ability to work closely in defence and foreign policy. Talking about regional and global challenges, we can make a real difference.”
US Secretary of Defence Mark Asper said, “We have particularly strengthened our defence and security partnership over the past year. Our cooperation meets the challenges of the principles of an independent and open Indo-Pacific region.