News: India and USA are likely to sign Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) at the 2+2 dialogue in October.
Facts:
- BECA is one of the four foundational agreements that underpin deepening defence cooperation between India and USA.
- Aim: The agreement aims to facilitate exchange of geospatial information between India and United States for military and civilian use.
- Significance: It will enable India to use US geospatial maps to enhance military accuracy of automated hardware systems and weapons such as cruise and ballistic missiles.
Additional Information:
Previously Signed Foundational Agreements:
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement: 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: It is an India-specific version of the Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA). It allows India to procure transfer specialised equipment for encrypted communications for US origin military platforms like the C-17, C-130 and P-8Is.
- Industrial Security Annex (ISA) and General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA): ISA to the India-U.S. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) provides a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information between the U.S. and Indian defence industries. Previously under GSOMIA, such information is exchanged between the Government authorities of the two countries but not between private parties.
