The agreement between India and US will enhance defence and strategic ties between the two countries
Following the singing of the path-breaking agreement COMCASA agreement on Thursday, Indian military platforms purchased from US will now be fitted with secure communication systems. These will give Indian forces access to critical information to track Chinese and Pakistani movements.
The agreement between India and US will enhance defence and strategic ties between the two countries.
Currently, India has three US-based military aircraft — the P8I, C130 and C17 Globemaster — being used by Navy and Air Force. The US is also helping in building a naval aircraft carrier while the induction US helicopters are expected by next year. Sources here said the COMCASA will allow for greater access to critical communication networks to enable better interoperability between the Indian and US militaries."This will facilitate installation of high-end security gadgets on the many defence equipment and weapons systems that India is buying from the US," they said.
Therefore, the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) between India and US on Thursday during the 2+2 dialogue will give India access to advanced technologies from the US and enhance India's defence preparedness, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said. This was the third in a line of foundational agreements required to be signed to enable transfer of critical US military technology. India has already signed the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) in 2002 and the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016. Both countries are currently negotiating the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
Top officials in the government tracking developments clarified that the agreement does not commit India to make future purchases only from the US. "We have ensured that we will have full access to the information and there will be no disruptions," the official added.
Not snooping
Previously, there were concerns regarding COMCASA within the Indian military establishment that US will be able to track the real-time movement of Indian assets, but additional safeguards have been put in place to ensure that does not happen, source said.
"Defence cooperation has emerged as the most significant dimension of our strategic partnership and as a key driver of our overall bilateral relationship," Sitharaman said in a press statement.
COMCASA IN BRIEF
- 3
US aircraft currently being used by India. More helicopters to be inducted by next year.
- Hereon, Indian military platforms purchased from US to be fitted with secure communication systems.
- Agreement valid for 10 years, comes into force immediately
- Forces to have access to critical real-time satellite imagery, info to track Chinese and Pakistani movements.
- If a US vessel or aircraft detects Pak or Chinese movement as well, India will be alerted
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