The BECA agreement, also known as the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement, is a landmark deal signed between India and the United States. This agreement is significant for the two countries` defense and security cooperation and allows them to share sensitive military information and logistics.
The BECA agreement was signed between India and the United States in October 2020, after several rounds of negotiations that began in 2016. The agreement was signed during the third 2+2 ministerial dialogue between India and the United States, with the Indian side represented by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The United States was represented by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defense Secretary Mark Esper.
The BECA agreement is the last of four foundational agreements that guide the defense and security cooperation between India and the United States. The other three agreements include the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), signed in 2016, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), signed in 2018, and the Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed in 2019.
The BECA agreement has several benefits for India, including the ability to access real-time geospatial information and exchange information on military equipment and systems. The agreement will also enhance India`s maritime domain awareness and enable it to share intelligence with the United States on a real-time basis.
The BECA agreement has been in the works for several years, and its signing is a significant milestone in the India-United States strategic partnership. It reflects the growing defense and security cooperation between the two countries and underscores their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
In conclusion, the BECA agreement was signed between India and the United States in October 2020, after several years of negotiations. The agreement is a significant milestone in the India-United States strategic partnership and paves the way for enhanced defense and security cooperation between the two countries.