Defence pact with India on geospatial information sharing in the works: US

The United States on Thursday said Basic Exchange and Communication Agreement (BECA), a defence pact on the sharing of geospatial information, is “in the works” at the upcoming 2+2 ministerial dialogue next week with India

A senior American official also said the situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India is on a stand-off with China, will probably figure in the talks, and that the US has been watching the situation closely

And so, I know that BECA and other agreements are in the works,” Dean R Thompson, principal deputy assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, told reporters when asked about BECA

The two sides are expected to sign BECA, the fourth and last of the so-called foundational defence agreements during the 2+2, and a maritime information sharing pact

In response to a question if tensions along the border with China will figure in the talks, Thompson said, “Certainly I think the situation, you know, on the Line of Actual Control will probably be discussed at some point

And, you know, we’re watching the situation closely.”

The US state department official said the 2+2 format “is reserved for our closest friends and partners and reflects our belief that the United States and India are stronger, more secure, and more prosperous, when we work together”