The recent 2+2 intercession meeting between India and the United States marked a significant step towards strengthening mutual ties, with both nations reviewing the progress of the Industrial Security Annex (ISA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA). These agreements hold considerable importance in the context of the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act (ARIA), an Act that earmarks around $1.5 billion for improving US ties with Asian partners over the next five years. Interestingly, the Act particularly identifies India as a significant military partner.
Understanding ARIA and its Implication for India
ARIA is aimed at framing a strategy for US relations in Asia, targeting enhanced cooperation and partnerships with key players in the region. The Act singles out India as a leading military partner, signifying a distinct shift in the US focus towards establishing substantial strategic relationships in the region. The 2+2 dialogue, which was initially held in September, further solidifies this partnership.
The Role of the Industrial Security Annex (ISA)
The ISA agreement enables the sharing of classified information from the US government and US companies with the Indian private sector. Previously, such information exchange was restricted to the Indian government and the defence public sector undertakings alone. With the implementation of ISA, the Indian private sector is set to receive a significant boost, particularly those seeking an expanded role in defence manufacturing.
“Four Foundational Agreements” between the US and its Partners
The partnership between the US and India goes beyond ARIA and ISA. It extends to “Four Foundational Agreements” that enable shared intelligence, logistical support, communication security, and geo-spatial cooperation.
| Agreement | Description | Signed by India |
|---|---|---|
| General Security Of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) | Enables militaries to share the intelligence gathered by them. | 2002 |
| Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) | Facilitates access to each other’s designated military facilities for refuelling and replenishment. | 2016 |
| Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) | Provides a legal framework for the transfer of highly sensitive communication security equipment from the US to India. | 2018 |
| Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) | Allows both nations to share geospatial and satellite data with each other. | Not signed yet |
A Closer Look at Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA)
The BECA, the only one of the foundational agreements not yet signed by India, is another major point of discussion. This agreement would enable India and the United States to mutually share geo-spatial and satellite data, which could significantly enhance cooperation and synergy between their armed forces. The possible implications and benefits of this agreement are currently under review.
