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<ul><li>During the 2+2 talks on September 6th, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> signed the the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (<keyword id="4156075" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="COMCASA">COMCASA</keyword>), which facilitates the sharing of military intelligence. </li><li>Under the agreement, India will be given access to a host of <keyword id="6354458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="US">US</keyword> military technologies like advanced drones and communication platforms. </li><li>The COMCASA, which is valid for 10 years, is the second of three “foundational agreements” for military purposes that India has signed with the US. </li></ul>As <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/heres-whats-in-store-for-indias-22-talks-with-the-us/articleshow/65667426.cms">expected</a>, India’s 2+2 talks with the US on September 6th focussed heavily on defence, counter-terrorism and trade. The countries’ first bilateral dialogue of this nature featured India’s Defence Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> and Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj along with their US counterparts - Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State <keyword id="3109665" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mike-Pompeo">Mike Pompeo</keyword>. While a lot of ground was covered, the primary achievement of the talks was the signing of a landmark military-intelligence sharing agreement that was nearly 10 years in the making. Under the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), India will be given access to a host of US military technologies like advanced drones and communication platforms. For example, India’s US-sourced maritime patrol aircrafts will be outfitted with technology that enables direct communication with the US military and the sharing of live satellite feeds. India could also have direct linkages with US allies that use similar equipment. While the COMCASA is a standard bilateral agreement, it was specifically modified to cater to Indian concerns. The US assured India complete access to all equipment it supplied and said it wouldn’t share any sensitive data culled from US-origin military and communication systems in India with any third parties. It also pledged to give India an advance warning of six months in the event that communications had to be severed. Besides keeping the pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism, the major impetus behind the ramping up of military cooperation between the two countries seems to be <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>’s expansionism across Asia. This can be seen in China’s Belt and Road Initiative as well as its maneuvers against smaller nations in the South China Sea. In an increasingly polarised world, the US needs to know it has a friend it can count on in South Asia. The COMCASA will be valid for 10 years, after which its renewal will be negotiated. It is the second of three “foundational agreements” that the US signs with its military allies. The first one is the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which allows the signatory access to resources from US military bases and vice versa. India has already signed this. The third one is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA), which facilitates the unconditional sharing of geospatial data. India and US are yet to begin negotiations on this. As a complement to COMCASA, a <keyword id="6482770" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="hotline">hotline</keyword> will also be established not only between the countries’ defence and foreign ministers but also between the US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Indian Navy in the interest of security in the <keyword id="12350" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Ocean">Indian Ocean</keyword>.

India and the US just signed a landmark military-intelligence sharing agreement

<ul><li>The armed <keyword id="3629740" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Guardian-drones">Guardian drones</keyword> being offered to <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> were earlier used only for surveillance purposes. </li><li>In return, US insists that India sign a ‘prying’ communications framework. </li><li>The drones might also become the first high-tech unmanned aircraft in a region where Indo-Pak tensions are really high. </li></ul><keyword id="6355055" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="usa">USA</keyword> has offered India <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-airshow-india-drones-exclusiv/exclusive-us-offers-india-armed-version-of-guardian-drone-sources-idUSKBN1K820K">armed Guardian drones</a> which were originally sold weaponless, only for surveillance purposes. The drones are on the agenda for a meeting between Indian and the US that is scheduled to take place soon. Though the meeting was formerly set for July, it has now been postponed to September. This is a result of the long-awaited policy, that Trump rolled out in April, aimed at expanding the exports of US-made arms to their allies. A major part of the policy allows lethal missile drones, and surveillance drones of all sizes, to be more widely available. This, Trump believes, might strengthen the American defense industry and create jobs in the country. The US drone manufacturers have lobbied hard for these changes since they have been facing growing competition, especially from Chinese and Israeli rivals, who often have lighter restrictions in their market. Some, however, believe that the “cost” of this deal might be too high as the US has been insisting that India sign a ‘prying’ communications framework - the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (<keyword id="4156075" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="COMCASA">COMCASA</keyword>) - as a condition for operating advanced defense systems. And the doubt comes up because many see this deal as a threat to the large amount of Russian equipment being used by the Indian military already and, in an extension, to Indo-Russian ties. This agreement with the US might also deter India’s Non-Alignment policy. However, after the US assured that the agreement would apply largely to US-procured weapons systems such as fighter planes and drones, India has agreed to move forward. Till last June, India has been in talks to buy 22 unarmed naval-variant surveillance aircrafts, <keyword id="4694855" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="MQ-9B-Guardian">MQ-9B Guardian</keyword>, worth more than ₹138.13 billion ($2 billion) to keep a watch over the Indian Ocean. However, India not only wants to keep an eye over a particular area but also wants to be able to hunt down targets over land and sea. The Indian military argued that even though the costs of acquisition were low, an unarmed drone would not serve the purpose and the cost and integration of a weapons system in the drone would still have been an issue. However, after the US’ amendment in April, India was offered armed drones which could fit its requirements. The deal has now been revised to not only include the armed version of the drone but also to change the number of aircrafts to be exported. If the deal is successful, it will be the first time that the US is selling an armed drone to a country not signed under NATO. It will also be the first high-tech unmanned aircraft in the Southeast Asian region surveying areas where Indo-Pak tensions are really high.

Arm the allies: India might become first country out of NATO to buy armed drones from the US

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Bryan NiegelA P-8A Poseidon assigned to the Golden Swordsmen of Patrol Squadron 47.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>The US and India practiced hunting submarines in a joint exercise in the Indian Ocean last week.</li><li>They were the first anti-submarine warfare exercises since the signing of the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) last fall.</li><li>The agreement allows for real-time intelligence sharing between the US and India, making it easier for the two countries to keep tabs on Chinese undersea activities in the area.</li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories</a>.</li></ul>The US and India practiced hunting submarines in the Indian Ocean last week, a first for the two nations since the signing of a major agreement making it easier to keep track of Chinese undersea assets.US and Indian P-8 multi-mission maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, together with the US Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance, participated in anti-submarine warfare training exercises, focusing on information sharing and coordination, the US Navy <a href="https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=109271">said</a> in a statement."Our goal is to further standardize our procedures, so we can work more efficiently in future real-world operations," said US Navy Lt. James Lowe, a pilot with Patrol Squadron 8.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/navy%E2%80%99s-long-range-maritime-patrol-aircraft-boeing-p-8i-dedicated-nation">Indian navy</a>One of India's P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, dedicated on November 13, 2015.</div></div></div>The exercises, which took place near the island of Diego Garcia, were the first ASW drills since India and the US signed the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in September, The Diplomat <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2019/04/india-us-conduct-anti-submarine-warfare-drill-in-indian-ocean/">reported</a> last week. The agreement allows for real-time operational intelligence sharing, especially in the maritime domain, where China is stepping up its surface and undersea activities.Read More: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-india-comcasa-deal-improves-ability-to-communicate-and-track-subs-2018-9">The US just cut a deal with a major ally that will put China's submarines in their crosshairs</a>"If a US warship or aircraft detects a Chinese submarine in the Indian Ocean, for instance, it can tell us through COMCASA-protected equipment in real-time, and vice-versa," an unnamed source <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/comcasa-will-pave-way-for-armed-drones-real-time-sharing-of-operational-intelligence/articleshow/65710226.cms">told</a> the Times of India when the agreement was signed.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Guang Niu/PoolA Chinese submarine during an international fleet review in Qingdao, Shandong province, April 23, 2009.</div></div></div>It was first disclosed two years ago by Harry Harris, then the US Navy admiral in charge of US Indo-Pacific Command, that the US was working with India to better monitor Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean."There is sharing of information regarding Chinese maritime movement in the Indian Ocean," Harris explained in early 2017, adding that the US works "closely with India and with improving India's capability to do that kind of surveillance."Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-dumps-cold-water-on-indias-claims-it-shot-down-a-pakistani-f-16-2019-4" data-analytics-position="9">The US is dumping cold water on India's claim it shot down a Pakistani F-16</a>"Chinese submarines are clearly an issue and we know they are operating through the region," <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2017/01/us-india-sharing-information-on-chinese-submarines-heres-why-that-matters/">said</a> Harris, who is now the US ambassador to South Korea.The US and India established their first secure communications link between the two navies as part of the COMCASA agreement in early April.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/scorpene-class-submarine-kalvari-set-afloat-naval-dockyard-mumbai">Indian navy</a>India's first-in-class Kalvari submarine during floating at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in October 2015.</div></div></div>The Department of <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">Defense</keyword> <a href="https://media.defense.gov/2018/Aug/16/2001955282/-1/-1/1/2018-CHINA-MILITARY-POWER-REPORT.PDF">noted</a> several times in its 2018 report on China's growing military might that the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) continues to deploy submarines to the Indian Ocean and is "demonstrating its increasing familiarity with operating in that region.""These submarine patrols demonstrate the PLAN's emerging capability both to interdict key sea lines of communication (SLOC) and to increase China's power projection into the Indian Ocean," the Pentagon argued.Read more: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-marines-seize-small-island-to-train-for-a-possible-china-fight-2019-3" data-analytics-position="17">US Marines are practicing seizing small islands as a possible China fight looms in the Pacific</a>The Indian navy stood up its first squadron of P-8I Neptunes, a variant of the P-8A Poseidons used by the US Navy, in 2015. It currently operates a fleet of eight, but it has placed an order for four more of these planes, which are widely recognized as <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-p8a-poseidon-sub-hunting-aircraft-features-sales-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the best anti-submarine warfare aircraft</a> in the world.Earlier this month, the US <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/us-approves-sale-of-24-mh-60-romeo-seahawk-helicopters-to-india-for-usd-2-4-bn/articleshow/68698990.cms">approved</a> the sale of two dozen submarine-hunting, multi-role MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to India for $2.6 billion. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/life-us-navy-submarine-military-training-armed-forces-2016-9">Everything you've ever wanted to know about life on a US Navy submarine</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The US and India practiced hunting subs for the first time since signing a deal making it easier to keep track of China

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)US <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">Defense</keyword> Secretary Jim Mattis, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, second right, and Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman before a meeting in New Delhi, India, September 6, 2018.</div></div></div><ul><li>The US and India strengthened ties this month by signing COMCASA, a major communications agreement.</li><li>It will allow the two sides to share secure information and will help military operations, such as sub-hunting expeditions.</li><li>But hurdles remain for India, which has been working to increase the size and sophistication of its military.</li></ul>The US and India have grown closer over the past decade, and they took another major step forward this month with the signing of a communications agreement that will improve their ability to coordinate military operations - like hunting down submarines.Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with their Indian counterparts, Nirmala Sitharaman and Sushma Swaraj, respectively, on September 6 for the long-delayed inaugural 2+2 ministerial dialogue.The meeting <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2018/09/comcasa-another-step-forward-for-the-united-states-and-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">produced</a> a raft of agreements. Perhaps the most important was the Communications, Compatibility, and Security Agreement, or COMCASA, which "will facilitate access to advanced defense systems and enable India to optimally utilize its existing US-origin platforms," according to a joint <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-dialogue-india-us-sign-historic-comcasa-agreement-to-share-intel-2659911" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement</a>.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Raj K Raj/Hindustan Times via Getty ImagesIndia navy helicopters drop food to people stranded after floods in Chengannur Taluk in Alappuzha, India, August 19, 2018.</div></div></div>The deal - one of several <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2018/09/comcasa-another-step-forward-for-the-united-states-and-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foundational</a> agreements the US and India have been discussing for nearly two decades - took years to negotiate, delayed by political factors in India and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-exclusive-us-offers-india-armed-version-of-guardian-drone-sources-2018-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">concerns about opening</a> Indian communications to the US.The US <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/comcasa-will-pave-way-for-armed-drones-real-time-sharing-of-operational-intelligence/articleshow/65710226.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wants to ensure</a> sensitive equipment isn't leaked to other countries - like Russia, with which India has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-may-get-russia-s-400-missile-defense-system-before-end-of-us-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">longstanding defense ties</a> - while India wants to ensure its classified information isn't shared without consent.But the lack of an agreement limited what the US could share."The case that the US has been making to India is that some of the more advanced military platforms that we've been selling them, we actually have to remove the advanced communications" systems on them because they can't be sold to countries that haven't signed a COMCASA agreement, said Jeff Smith, a research fellow for South Asia at the Heritage Foundation, in an interview in late August."So that even when we're doing joint exercises together, we have to use older, more outdated communications channels when our two militaries are communicating with one another, and it just makes things more difficult," Smith added.And it wasn't just the US. A Japanese official <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-india-usa-quad/indian-navy-the-odd-man-out-in-asias-quad-alliance-idUSKBN1DM0UB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> last year that communications between that country's navy and the Indian navy were limited to voice transmissions, and there was no satellite link that would allow them to share monitor displays in on-board command centers.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.indiannavy.nic.in/content/navy%E2%80%99s-long-range-maritime-patrol-aircraft-boeing-p-8i-dedicated-nation">Indian navy</a>One of India's P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft, dedicated on November 13, 2015.</div></div></div>With COMCASA in place, India can now work toward greater interoperability with the US and other partners."COMCASA is a legal technology enabler that will facilitate our access to advanced defense systems and enable us to optimally utilize our existing US-origin platforms like C-130J Super Hercules and P-8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft," an official <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/comcasa-will-pave-way-for-armed-drones-real-time-sharing-of-operational-intelligence/articleshow/65710226.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> The Times of India.<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65710226.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst"></a>Importantly for India, the agreement opens access to new technology and weapons that use secure military communications - like the armed Sea Guardian drone, which India will be the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/r-exclusive-us-offers-india-armed-version-of-guardian-drone-sources-2018-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first non-NATO country</a> to get. Sea Guardians <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/comcasa-will-pave-way-for-armed-drones-real-time-sharing-of-operational-intelligence/articleshow/65710226.cms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">come with</a> advanced GPS, an Identification Friend or Foe system, and a VHF radio system, which can thwart jamming or spoofing.The deal also facilitates information sharing via secure data links and Common Tactical Picture, which <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2018/09/what-the-recently-concluded-us-india-comcasa-means/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">would allow</a> Indian forces to share data with the US and other friendly countries during exercises and operations.Expanding interoperability is particularly important for India in the Indian Ocean region, where <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-growing-submarine-force-worrying-pacific-us-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increasing Chinese naval activity</a> - especially that of submarines - <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-to-buy-submarines-amid-china-naval-activity-in-the-indian-ocean-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has worried New Delhi</a>."If a US warship or aircraft detects a Chinese submarine in the Indian Ocean, for instance, it can tell us through COMCASA-protected equipment in real-time, and vice-versa," a source told The Times of India.<a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/65710226.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=cppst"></a><h2>'The bells and whistles ... didn't necessary come with it'</h2><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">REUTERS/Jim BourgIndian sailors watch a military parades during India's Republic Day parade in New Delhi, January 26, 2015.</div></div></div>Signing COMCASA has been cast <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/for-india-and-the-united-states-22-equals-more/articleshow/65736286.cms?utm_source=AMPusers&amp;utm_medium=twittershare&amp;utm_campaign=socialsharebutton&amp;from=mdr" target="_blank" rel="noopener">as part of</a> a broader strategic advance by India, binding it closer to the US and facilitating more exchanges with other partner forces. (Some have <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-dialogue-india-us-sign-historic-comcasa-agreement-to-share-intel-2659911" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suggested</a> the deal lowers the likelihood the US will sanction India for <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-may-get-russia-s-400-missile-defense-system-before-end-of-us-2018-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">purchasing the Russian-made S-400</a> air-defense system.) The agreement itself will facilitate more secure communications and data exchanges and opens a path for future improvements, but there are other issues hanging over India's ability to work with its partners.Among the US-made hardware India has bought in recent years are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">variants of the P-8 Poseidon</a>, one of the world's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-navy-p8a-poseidon-sub-hunting-aircraft-features-sales-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">best maritime patrol aircraft</a>.India purchased the aircraft through direct commercial sales rather than through foreign military sales, said Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, in an interview at the end of August.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">US NavyUS Navy crew members on board a P-8A Poseidon assisting in search-and-rescue operations for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 in the Indian Ocean, March 16, 2014.</div></div></div>"As a result a lot of the bells and whistles, the extra stuff that goes with a new airplane - the mission systems, like the radio systems, and the radars and the sonobuoys and all the equipment that you'd get with an airplane like that - didn't necessary come with it, and they're going to have to buy that separately," Clark said."Signing this agreement means there's an opportunity to share the same data-transfer protocols or to use the same communications systems," Clark said. But both sides would need to already have the systems in question in order to take advantage of the new access. "So the Indians would still have to buy the systems that would enable them to be interoperable," Clark said.Smith said a "fundamental change" in the US-India defense-sales relationship was unlikely, but having COMCASA in place would make US-made systems more attractive and allow India to purchase a broader range of gear."At least now India can get the full suite of whatever platforms they're looking at," he said. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/uss-indianapolis-wreckage-discovered-navy-worst-disaster-at-sea-2017-8">The wreckage of a World War II-era US warship that the Navy called the worst disaster at sea has been discovered</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The US just cut a deal with a major ally that will put China's submarines in their crosshairs

<ul><li>India and the US have signed a new landmark defence pact called the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).</li><li>It allows the US to share satellite and other surveillance data to improve Indian navigation and targeting capabilities.</li><li>This will improve the accuracy of India’s automated hardware systems and weapons like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. </li></ul>India and the US have added another layer to the military cooperation between them by signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) amid the 2+2 ministerial talks happening in Delhi today. Defence ministry’s Additional Secretary Jivesh Nandan signed the agreement on behalf of India. BECA is essentially an agreement between the US’ National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and India’s Ministry of Defence to share military information. This includes maps, nautical charts, aeronautical charts, unclassified imagery, and other types of data. Within the agreement, there is a provision that allows for the sharing of classified information and the proper safeguards in place to ensure that the same information isn’t shared with any third parties. All of this intelligence will provide India’s military with advanced navigational aid and geospatial information. This will improve the accuracy of its automated hardware systems and weapons like cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, and drones. It’s the fourth and final ‘foundational’ agreement between the US and India. They serve as the framework for cooperation and interoperability between the US and India’s defence ministries. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; width: 468pt; table-layout: fixed;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Four foundational agreements between the US and India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Year </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Goal </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">General Security Of Military Information Agreements (GSOMIA) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2002 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Enable the sharing of classified data between government entities </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2016 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Allows both parties to benefit from each other’s logistics infrastructure, resources and consumables </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2018 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Enables secure communications between the forces and governs access to sensitive US communications equipment and encryption </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2020 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Allows the US to share satellite and other surveillance data to improve Indian navigation and targeting capabilities </td></tr></tbody></table> The Observer Research Foundation (<a href="https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/third-india-us-22-dialogue-breaking-the-mould-on-post-war-model-of-bilateral-ties/">ORF</a>) notes that even though the US reportedly shared intelligence with India during the Doklam issue, that cooperation was inherently limited by the lack of formal structures to enable rapid and secure dissemination of information. BECA could be the next step in fine-tuning that process, especially concerning the tensions currently simmering between India and China in Eastern Ladakh. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/china-launches-three-new-spy-satellites-amid-border-dispute-with-india-and-tensions-in-the-south-china-sea/articleshow/78886330.cms">China launches three new spy satellites amid border dispute with India and tensions in the South China Sea</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/kotak-mahindra-bank-share-price-jumps-after-earning-reports-and-possible-msci-inclusion/articleshow/78887434.cms">Kotak Mahindra Bank surges 10% on earnings upgrades and potential MSCI inclusion</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/hcl-tech-is-looking-to-expand-operations-in-canada-if-h-1b-visa-issues-persist/articleshow/78884838.cms">EXCLUSIVE: HCL Tech is expanding operations in Canada as H-1B visa issues persist</a>

India signs landmark military pact with the US to make its drones and missiles more accurate

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper will arrive here on October 26 for the third edition of the two-plus-two <keyword id="3097277" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministerial-Dialogue">ministerial dialogue</keyword> which is taking place just a week ahead of the American presidential election and in the midst of India's festering border row with China. The two-plus-two dialogue will be held on Tuesday. The Indian side at the talks will be represented by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. A host of crucial bilateral, regional and global issues including China's efforts to expand influence in the Indo-Pacific region as well as its aggressive behaviour in eastern Ladakh is likely to figure in the talks. In the last few months, the US has been ramping up attack on China over a range of contentious issues including the border row with India, its military assertiveness in <keyword id="9256875" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-south-china-sea">the South China Sea</keyword> and the way Beijing handled the anti-government protests in Hong Kong. Last week, <keyword id="193522" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="External-Affairs-Ministry">External Affairs Ministry</keyword> Spokesperson <keyword id="916281" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Anurag-Srivastava">Anurag Srivastava</keyword> said the talks will entail a comprehensive discussion on cross-cutting bilateral issues as well as deliberations on regional and global developments. Pompeo and Esper will have bilateral meetings with their Indian counterparts as well. They are also scheduled to make a joint call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Officials said US Secretary of Defence Esper will be given a tri-services guard of honour at the lawns of South Block in <keyword id="10169121" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-raisina-hills">the Raisina Hills</keyword> on Monday afternoon. It is expected that the two sides may finalise the long-pending BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) agreement to further boost bilateral defence ties. The BECA will provide for sharing of high-end military technology, logistics and geospatial maps between the two countries. The Indo-US defence ties have been on an upswing in the last few years. In June 2016, the US had designated India a "Major Defence Partner" intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. The two countries inked the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016 that allows their militaries use each other's bases for repair and replenishment of supplies as well as provides for deeper cooperation. The two countries signed 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. The first edition of the two-plus-two dialogue was held in Delhi in September 2018 after the mechanism was approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword>. The second edition of the dialogue took place in Washington in December last year. The new framework of the ministerial dialogue was initiated in order to provide a forward-looking vision for the strategic partnership between the two countries. MPB RT

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper to arrive in India today

<ul><li><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>’s status has been elevated from a trading partner to Strategic <keyword id="44844" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Trade">Trade</keyword> Authorization status (STA-1). </li><li>This might make India more favourable to the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). </li><li>Strict control and licensing on the sale of high-tech <keyword id="32723" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence">defence</keyword> and non-defence products between the two countries will also be eased. </li></ul>On Monday, the <keyword id="6354458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="US">US</keyword> elevated India’s status from a trading partner to Strategic Trade Authorization status (STA-1) which is the status that it has given only to 36 countries that are largely NATO allies. India is the only south-asian country on this list. This means that the US has eased export restrictions on high-technology product sales to India and authorises India to export, re-export and transfer (in-country) specified items. The status is very important under the US export control regime, and publicly acknowledges US-India security and economic relationship. This will increase and speed up the sale of high-tech defence and non-defence products between the two nations, that are otherwise subjected to strict controls and licensing. India will now be able to access latest defense technologies as easily as US’ closest allies. It might also accelerate the talk in India about signing the Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) , which is a pact that will allow high-end secured communication equipment. It is one of the three agreements that the US has with its closest military allies and though that seems positive, India has concerns about giving away access to sensitive military communication if it signs the agreement with the US. Interestingly, this new status for India came at a time when the country has finalised its decision to go in for a missile defence system from the US to protect parts of the capital -New Delhi. One of the main reasons behind India's elevation could be that India and the US share an interest in countering China's expanding economic and military power. The US has become one of India’s top arms supplier, selling more than $15 billion of weapons over the past decade.

US elevates India’s status, will lead to better economic relationship

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Saurabh Das/APRussian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</div></div></div><ul><li>The US has been seeking a deeper <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> relationships with India for years.</li><li>But India has longstanding military ties with Russia, and Delhi's Russian-made weapons are an issue.</li><li>The latest hang-up: US officials are disappointed with India's recent purchase of Russia's S-400 air-defense system and that it may hinder future cooperation.</li></ul>Lawyers and policy and technical experts from the US Defense Department are in New Delhi this week, meeting with Indian officials to discuss a military-communications agreement that would boost the interoperability of the two countries' armed forces.The discussions - part of preparations for the 2+2 dialogue between the two countries' foreign and defense secretaries, to take place in Washington in July - are a step forward, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-plus-two-india-us-strategic-military-relationship-modi-trump-5221830/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to The Indian Express, as Delhi has been reluctant to sign the agreement, known as Comcasa, since it signed a military logistics agreement with the US in 2016, when the US named India a "<a href="https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/5-takeaways-on-us-india-relations-after-modis-meeting-with-obama/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">major defense partner</a>."India's reservations stem in part from a lingering issue in the growing US-India military relationship: Delhi's use of Russia-made weapons platforms.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">ReutersINS Vikramaditya.</div></div></div>Russia has long been India's main weapons supplier. Delhi worked with Moscow to develop the BrahMos anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile, and India also fields Russia's S-300 air-defense system.India's operational aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, is a Russian Kiev-class carrier-cruiser <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-more-us-made-sub-hunting-planes-2018-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overhauled by Moscow</a> for the Indian navy that carries Russian-made aircraft. India also <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-wants-to-buy-110-fighter-jets-china-growing-tension-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">operates squadrons</a> of Russia-made MiG-21 and MiG-27 fighter aircraft.India signed a <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-russia-arms-deal-2016-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$6 billion deal</a> with Moscow in late 2016, agreeing to lease a Russian-made nuclear submarine, to buy four Russian frigates, to purchase the advanced S-400 air-defense missile system, and to set up a joint venture with a Russian firm to produce military helicopters.India's Defense Ministry is concerned that many of its Russian-made weapons, as well as its indigenous weapons systems, will not be compatible with Comcasa, <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-plus-two-india-us-strategic-military-relationship-modi-trump-5221830/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to The Indian Express, which also reports that defense officials are wary of US intrusions into their military communications systems.The US has been seeking deeper relations with India for years. Delhi has bought $15 billion worth of US arms since 2008, and the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/us-renames-pacific-command-to-indo-pacific-command-to-counter-china-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US recently renamed</a> US Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command in recognition of India's growing role in the region.India sees the S-400 as a way to <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-go-ahead-with-s-400-deal-with-russia-notwithstanding-us-sanctions-1862991" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase</a> its air defenses, especially amid its <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-with-ports-ships-and-promises-india-asserts-role-in-southeast-asia-2018-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">growing rivalry with China</a>. But its purchase has been an issue for Washington.Delhi has said it will go ahead with the purchase of the missile system, despite the recent Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, which aims to deter foreign individuals and entities from doing business with Russia's defense and intelligence sectors.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Russian Ministry of Defense</div></div></div>"In all our engagements with the US, we have clearly explained how India and Russia's defence cooperation has been going on for a long time and that it is a time-tested relationship," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-go-ahead-with-s-400-deal-with-russia-notwithstanding-us-sanctions-1862991" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> earlier this month. "We have mentioned that CAATSA cannot impact the India-Russia defence cooperation."India reportedly wants an exception to CAATSA for its defense deals with Russia and plans to raise the issue during the 2+2 dialogue meeting."The S-400 deal has been on for a very long time, and we have reached the final stage of negotiations," Sitharaman added. "That explains it."US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has told Congress that "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mattis-is-asking-for-waivers-so-us-allies-can-buy-russian-weapons-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">national security exceptions</a>" must be made to CAATSA, which went into effect in January. Mattis said that while some countries with which the US is seeking stronger ties are looking "to turn away" from Russian-made weapons, those countries also need to keep doing business with Moscow for the time being.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="http://www.apimages.com/metadata/Index/APTOPIX-Trump-United-States-India/c635706bb5144bec9386352d86f2a0ea/17/0">Susan Walsh/AP</a>President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hug in the Rose Garden of the White House, June 26, 2017.</div></div></div>"We only need to look at India, Vietnam and some others to recognize that eventually we're going to penalize ourselves" by pursuing strict adherence to CAATSA, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/mattis-is-asking-for-waivers-so-us-allies-can-buy-russian-weapons-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mattis told senators</a> in April."Indonesia, for example, is in the same situation - trying to shift to more of our airplanes, our systems, but they've got to do something to keep their legacy military going," Mattis added.China was the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-has-russian-s-400-air-defense-system-2018-5" target="_blank" rel="noopener">first foreign country</a> to receive the S-400, but Turkey has also acquired it, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-to-sell-turkey-4-s-400s-that-wont-work-with-natos-systems-2017-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adding to tensions</a> with its NATO partners, and Saudi Arabia and Qatar also reportedly <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2018/06/trump-administration-warns-friends-against-russia-arms-deals/?utm_source=Sailthru&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=ebb%206/19/18&amp;utm_term=Editorial%20-%20Military%20-%20Early%20Bird%20Brief" target="_blank" rel="noopener">considering</a> purchasing it.Despite India's commitment to the S-400 deal and Mattis' emphasis on logistical considerations, the US is still cautioning India and other US allies about doing business with Russia.US officials have <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/two-plus-two-india-us-strategic-military-relationship-modi-trump-5221830/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">indicated</a> to India that not signing the Comcasa agreement could preclude India from getting high-end military equipment, like Predator drones, the sale of which the US <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/trump-administration-agrees-to-supply-predator-drones-to-india/story-03t9x05AMfohGJEbnm2olM.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> in May.Rep. Mac Thornberry, head of the House Armed Services Committee, <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/s-400-missile-deal-us-may-block-sale-of-predator-drones-as-india-is-buying-arms-from-russia-1858958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Indian broadcaster NDTV</a> in late May that the US was disappointed with India's deals with Moscow, particularly the S-400 purchase, which he said "threatens our ability to work interoperably in the future."While there would be some "flexibility" in the law for countries with traditional defense ties to Moscow and sanctions on Delhi were unlikely, Thornberry said, the "acquisition of this technology will limit, I am afraid, the degree with which the United States will feel comfortable in bringing additional technology into whatever country we are talking about." <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asia-earth-ice-melted-rising-ocean-coastline-china-india-2015-3">Animated map shows what would happen to Asia if all the Earth's ice melted</a></h3> <div> </div> </div>

The US is trying to boost its military ties with India, but Russian weapons are getting in the way

<ul><li>On the last day of 2018, US President Donald <keyword id="6354862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="trump">Trump</keyword> signed the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act. </li><li>Under the act, around $1.5 billion worth of funding will be channeled into improving US ties with partners in the region for the next five years. </li><li>While the act frames a comprehensive strategy for the US in the Asia, it singles out <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> as an important military partner with a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. </li><li>The act also highlights threats from <keyword id="1334" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword>, citing the country’s “illegal construction and militarization of artificial features in the South China Sea” as well as its “coercive economic practices.” </li></ul> The US President Donald Trump signed a number of acts on the last day 2018. A particularly noteworthy one, with respect to India, was the <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2736/text#toc-H00AC660EEB9C435D8D91F69FBF988311">Asia Reassurance Initiative Act</a> (ARIA). The US Senate passed the act in the first week of December, with the US Congress following suit in the second week. Under the act, around $1.5 billion worth of funding will be channeled into improving US ties with partners in the region for the next five years. It is likely to put the fears of a US retreat from the region to rest. While the act frames a comprehensive strategy for the US in the Asia, it singles out India as an important military partner with a key role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. It also calls for a strengthening in trade and diplomatic ties with India and well as increased exchange of military technologies and information. The US reiterated its commitment to all bilateral pacts signed with India, including the 2012 United States-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative and the 2015 Joint Strategic Vision for the <keyword id="1551039" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indo-Pacific">Indo-Pacific</keyword> and Indian Ocean Region. The act also stressed the importance of the Quadrilateral security dialogue between the US, Australia, India, and Japan. In September last year, India signed the the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-and-the-us-just-signed-a-landmark-military-intelligence-sharing-agreement/articleshow/65716448.cms">Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA),</a> which facilitates the sharing of military intelligence with the US. Under the pact, India will be given access to a host of technologies like advanced drones and communication platforms. Of course, since this is an act about the US’s strategy in Asia, China receives significant mention given the government’s fears about China upsetting the current power order in the world. The act highlights the country’s “illegal construction and militarization of artificial features in the South China Sea” as well as its “coercive economic practices,” the latter referring to China’s trade policies, as threats. In a clause that could prove controversial, it also recommends increasing the sale of arms to Taiwan to help defend it from possible incursions by China. The Trump administration’s foreign policy stance has largely been transactional -- ‘Help us and we will help you’. It’s no different with respect to India. The ARIA makes it clear that the US requires India’s help to counter China’s influence in Asia if the two are to become better friends. As 2019 progresses, India will look to the US for a number of concessions, such as the lifting of trade restrictions, a go-ahead for the Chabahar Port project in Iran and an exemption from sanctions for buying a missile shield system from Russia. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india-and-the-us-just-signed-a-landmark-military-intelligence-sharing-agreement/articleshow/65716448.cms">India and the US just signed a landmark military-intelligence sharing agreement</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/senior-chinese-military-officer-calls-for-attacks-on-us-ships-in-the-south-china-sea/articleshow/67029057.cms">Senior Chinese military officer calls for attacks on US ships in the South China Sea</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/heres-what-trump-had-to-say-about-india-at-the-un-general-assembly/articleshow/65960850.cms">Here’s what Trump had to say about India at the UN General Assembly</a>

The US government is enforcing an act that calls for a stronger partnership with India in order to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region

After months of cancellations and going back-and-forth, <keyword id="3658" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> will finally sit down with the <keyword id="6354458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="US">US</keyword> this week for its first edition of the bilateral “2+2” talks. In what is sure to be deemed as historic, the Indian government will be represented by two women, Defence Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> and Foreign Affairs Minister <keyword id="6355111" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sushma-Swaraj">Sushma Swaraj</keyword>. They will meet with their US counterparts - Defence Secretary James Mattis and Secretary of State <keyword id="3109665" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mike-Pompeo">Mike Pompeo</keyword> - in India. The main objective of the talks is the ramping up of cooperation between the two countries in the spheres of security and intelligence-sharing as well as a resolution of certain trade issues. More specifically, here is what will be discussed during the dialogue: Hotlines between high-ranking military officials There has been an emphasis on the need for more direct communication linkages, not only between the defence and external affairs ministers of both countries, but also between high-ranking officials in the Indian Navy and the US Naval Command operation in Bahrain. This is in recognition of the leadership role India can take in anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean region. A similar hotline exists between the UK and India and is currently being discussed with China. An agreement for the sharing of sensitive data The two sides are set to discuss and ratify the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA). The agreement establishes a framework for the secure sharing of intelligence and communication equipment between the US, India and allies of the US that use the former’s equipment. It is expected to receive an “in-principle approval” from both parties. While India will benefit from access to encrypted technologies for data sharing, it will tread cautiously in terms of giving the US too much access to its own communication equipment for military purposes. India’s membership of a coalition to counter ISIS funding The US is reportedly looking to get India to join the Counter ISIS Finance Group (CIFG), a coalition to prevent ISIS’s access to funding from international sources. The group, which was set up in early 2015, comprises of 49 members and is chaired by the US, Italy and Saudi Arabia. In regards to India’s possible membership, the US will discuss a number of issues such as cyber security as well as a strategy to tackle <keyword id="6358165" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="terrorism">terrorism</keyword> financing and online recruitment of youths to ISIS. Trade issues The topic of trade could definitely come up over the course of the talks. India and US are currently sparring over a number of issues when it comes to trade. These include India’s tariffs on US agricultural goods, a relaxation of preferential treatment for India at the WTO owing to its “developing country status” and India’s export subsidies. India, meanwhile, is unhappy with the way US benefits from WTO norms that exempts its agricultural subsidies from scrutiny. The 2+2 talks could set the course for the potential resolution of some of these issues. India’s ties with Russia and Iran India will try and secure an arrangement with the US that allows it to go ahead, in some capacity, with its relationship with Russia and Iran, both of which are subject to US sanctions. With respect to Iran, India would like to keep importing crude oil from the country. And with respect to Russia, India is set to go ahead with a deal to purchase S-400 air missile systems from the country. It will be seeking a waiver from the US for both of these transactions.

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India and the US just signed a landmark military-intelligence sharing agreement

Dilsher Dhillon

Arm the allies: India might become first country out of NATO to buy armed drones from the US

BI India Bureau

The US and India practiced hunting subs for the first time since signing a deal making it easier to keep track of China

Ryan Pickrell

The US just cut a deal with a major ally that will put China's submarines in their crosshairs

Christopher Woody

India signs landmark military pact with the US to make its drones and missiles more accurate

Prabhjote Gill

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper to arrive in India today

PTI

US elevates India’s status, will lead to better economic relationship

BI India Bureau

The US is trying to boost its military ties with India, but Russian weapons are getting in the way

Christopher Woody

The US government is enforcing an act that calls for a stronger partnership with India in order to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region

Dilsher Dhillon

Here’s what is in store for India’s 2+2 talks with the US

Dilsher Dhillon

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