The defence pact between India-US: Diplomatic ties to Strengthen Indian Navy
India and USA have signed a defence pact that has been termed as a “milestone” in the diplomatic relations of the two countries. COMCASA or Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement was signed at the end of ‘2+2’ Ministerial dialogue between the two countries.
The defence pact was signed as a culmination of the meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and their US counterparts, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.
A Joint Statement issued at the end of the bilateral dialogue read “They welcomed the signing of a Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement that will facilitate access to advanced defence systems and enable India to optimally utilise its existing US- origin platforms,”
The defence pact will allow the two countries to share high end encrypted communication and data obtained via satellite. The bonus here is that when a US warship or aircraft will detect a Chinese warship or submarine, The Indian Navy will be informed immediately via the transmission of secure encrypted data. The data will be received the Naval Headquarters in New Delhi.
The defence pact will also allow India to acquire Sea Guardian Drones. This piece of high-end technology will help detect and target enemy warships. Signing the COMCASA will also help in giving a legal framework for defence technology transfer.
Nirmala Sitharaman and Jim Mattis also announced their readiness to begin talks on an Industrial Security Annex (ISA). The ISA will allow Indian private sector to collaborate with US defence industry.
With the signing of the COMCASA, three of the four foundational agreements with the USA that have been planned for years have been concluded. The defence pact will come into force immediately and will remain in effect for ten years.
The COMCASA comes as a major achievement in the bilateral relations of the two countries due to its timing as well. USA has been voicing its opposition to India’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile shield as it violates the US Countering Americas Adversaries through Sanctions Act. The signing of the defence pact at such a time is surely a feather in the cap of the ministries that worked for it.
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