Amidst China's growing economic and military clout in the region, India and the United states signed the landmark defence agreement, BECA that will enable sharing of high-end military technology, geospatial maps and classified satellite data between their militaries as the duos countries held a high-level discussion on Tuesday. Both counties, and promised to ramp up their security bind and boost strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar together with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the third edition of the twice times discussion with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper. Both sides were assisted by their top military and security officials.   The high-level interaction assumes significance as it comes at a time China is attempting to expand its economic and military power in the Indo-Pacific region, and is also engaged in a tense standoff with India in eastern Ladakh. During the discussion, the US side also assured India that America stands with it as they confront threats to their sovereignty and liberty.

The signing of the BECA completes finalisation of four key pacts between the two countries which were identified as critical to significantly expand the strategic ties. The two countries signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provide for deeper cooperation.

India and the US inked another pact called COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) in 2018 that provides for interoperability between the two militaries and provides for sale of high end technology from the US to India. About BECA, officials said the pact will give India access to classified geo-spatial data as well as critical information having significant military applications from the US.

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