India-US sign defence pact BECA at 2+2 ministerial dialogue
First Published: 27th October, 2020 15:48 IST
India and the United States on Tuesday signed the much-awaited Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which is the last of four foundational agreements for strengthening defence ties, allowing the
India and the United States on Tuesday signed the much-awaited Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which is the last of four foundational agreements for strengthening defence ties, allowing the militaries of the two countries to share geospatial information, high-end military technology and classified satellite data on defence-related issues.
Defence ministry’s Additional Secretary Jivesh Nandan signed the agreement on behalf of the Indian government.
“Our military-to-military cooperation is progressing very well. In two days meeting, we also explored probable capacity building and other joint cooperation activities in third countries including our neighbourhood and beyond,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after 2+2 India-US Ministerial Dialogue.
“We also agreed that upholding rules-based international order respecting rule of law and freedom of navigation in the international sea and upholding territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states are essential,” he added.
US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper called the partnership between the two countries “more important than ever”.
“As the world confronts a global pandemic and growing security challenges, the India-US partnership is more important than ever to ensure security, stability and prosperity of the region and the world,” Esper said at the briefing.
He added, “Based on our shared values and common interests, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of a free and open India-Pacific for all, particularly in light of increasing aggression and destabilising activities by China.”
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo today assured that the United States would stand with India as it “confronts threats” to its sovereignty and liberty.
“The United States will stand by the people of India as they confront threats to their sovereignty and liberty. Our nations are committed to working together into expanding our partnerships across many fronts,” Pompeo said.
Pompeo who had arrived in India on Monday for the first leg of his four nations’ tour will later in the day leave for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia. While in India he led the US delegation including Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue.
“The US and India are taking steps to strengthen our cooperation against all manner of threats and not just those posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Last year, we have expanded our cooperation on cyber issues, our navies have help joint exercises in the Indian ocean,” Pompeo said in the media interaction following the meeting.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the talks underlined the importance of stability and peace of the India-Pacific region.
“The India-Pacific region was the particular focus of our talks. We reiterated the importance of stability and peace and prosperity for all countries in this region,” said Jaishankar. (ANI)
COMMENTS
TOPMOST STORY NOW
Live Massive Protests in Tripura Opposing Waqf Amendment Act and Demanding its Immediate Revocation
11th April 2025
Live KL Rahul enters top 10 IPL run-getters list, continues impressive chasing run
11th April 2025
Live US: 6 dead after passenger helicopter crashes into Hudson River in New York
11th April 2025
Live Assam HSLC Result 2025 to Be Declared Today
11th April 2025
WE RECOMMEND
Who is Tahawwur Rana, Key Accused in 26/11 Mumbai Attacks, Extradited from the US Today?
Tahawwur Rana's extradition was confirmed in February this year when US President Donald Trump announced he would be handed over to India.
10th April 2025
NIA arrests 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks accused Tahawwur Rana on arrival at Delhi airport
NIA had secured Tahawwur Rana's extradition following years of sustained and concerted efforts
10th April 2025
Will ensure judicial integrity: NDBA’s statement before Tahawwur Rana’s trial
Tahawwur Rana is being brought to India for trial after the US Supreme Court rejected his plea to stay his extradition, exhausting all judicial options.
10th April 2025
Just Married, Gone Too Soon: 28-Year-Old Air India Express Pilot Dies of Cardiac Arrest Soon After Landing
The Air India Express also appealed for privacy, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.
10th April 2025
India to host Global Technology Summit in Delhi from April 10-12, inaugural session to begin with Jaishankar’s address
The inaugural session of the Summit would begin with address by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
10th April 2025