Explained: What is BECA and how will it strengthen the Indian army?

New Delhi, October 27: Ahead of today of 2 + 2 India-US ministerial dialogue, India and the United States are willing to sign the landmark defence pact, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). But, What is BECA and how will it strengthen the Indian army?

 

The BECA means the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). It is the last of four foundational agreements for strengthening defence ties that would enhance the geospatial cooperation between India and the US and it is likely to help in improving the accuracy of missile systems of India.

 

Under the agreement, the US shall exchange technical and procedural information about standardisation of methods, specifications, and formats for the collection, processing, and production of Geo intelligence information with India. This would enable the exchange of geospatial information between the two countries. It would also enhance the operational efficiency of the defense platforms of the United States that are being operated in India.

 

In simple words, BECA will not only allow India to use the US’s advanced geospatial intelligence and enhance the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones but, it will also give access to topographical and aeronautical data and products that will aid navigation and targeting. BECA will provide Indian military systems with a high-quality GPS to navigate and missiles with real-time intelligence to precisely target the adversary. 

 

The BECA would also pave the way for the sharing of maps, charts, imagery, and other geospatial information and data. It comprises geodetic, geomagnetic, topographic, hydrographic, cartographical, bathymetric, and similar essential information data packets. The items include maps, nautical and aeronautical charts; geospatial information, and data like geodetic, geophysical, geomagnetic, and gravity data. This could be key for Air Force-to-Air Force cooperation.

 

Earlier India and US signed agreements known as LEMOA and COMCASA in last 2+2 meet. The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement was signed in August 2016 and it allows the military of each country to replenish from the other’s bases: access supplies, spare parts, and services from the other country’s land facilities, air bases, and ports, which can then be reimbursed. This is extremely useful for Navy-to-Navy cooperation since the US and India are cooperating closely in the Indo-Pacific.

 

While, The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement was signed in September 2018, after the first 2+2 dialogue in which then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It allows the US to provide India with its encrypted communications equipment and systems so that Indian and US military commanders, aircraft, and ships can communicate through secure networks in peace and war.