India-US 2+2 talks: Mike Pompeo, Mark Esper in New Delhi for third 2+2 dialogue.(FILE)
India and the US today inked landmark defence pact, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA), to expand geospatial information sharing between armed forces of the two countries.
The signing of the long-negotiated Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) during the third edition of the 2+2 dialogue between the two strategic partners also signals further boosting of bilateral defence and military ties and it comes in the backdrop of India''s tense border standoff with China in eastern Ladakh.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajath Singh held the talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper. Both sides were assisted by their top military and security officials.
In the 2+2 dialogue, the two sides deliberated on a host of critical issues including ways to further expand the already close relationship between the militaries of the two countries as well as broader issues of mutual interest in the Indo-Pacific region.
The inking of the BECA completes finalisation of four key pacts between the two countries which were identified as crucial to significantly expand the strategic ties.
Here are the Updates on India, US 2+2 Dialogue:
ISRO-NASA satellite NISAR scheduled to be launched by 2022: US-India joint statement
A joint statement, issued after the 2+2 strategic dialogue between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and their US counterparts Secretary of States Michael R Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T Esper, said, "...the ministers applauded the ongoing collaboration between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration, including on the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite scheduled to be launched by 2022."
Pleasure meeting US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper. Happy to see tremendous progress in India-US relations and results of 2+2 dialogue. Our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership stands on firm foundation of shared principles, common strategic interest: PM Modi
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi
Ajit Doval's 'Elbow Bump' With Mike Pompeo, US Defense SecretaryNational Security Advisor Ajit Doval exchanged elbow bumps, skipping the conventional handshake, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark T Esper today in Delhi, following social distancing norms amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting at South Block lasted for 40 minutes ahead of the third edition of 2+2 ministerial dialogue. Mr Esper and Mr Pompeo arrived in India on Monday for the crucial talks aimed at further boosting the defence and security ties between the two countries.
US With India In Efforts To Defend Sovereignty: Mike Pompeo On Galwan ClashUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo today expressed his country's support for India in its efforts to "defend its sovereignty".
After a visit to Delhi's National War Memorial, he said, "We paid our respect to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley recently. US will stand with India in its efforts to defend its sovereignty and its liberty".
"US and India are better aligned to protect our democracies and shared values," said Mike Pompeo.
"Our defence cooperation continues to grow," said US Defence Secretary Esper after Indo-US 2+2 talks.
Our military to military cooperation with US moving forward very well;identified projects for joint development of defence equipment, said Rajnath Singh.
India, US working closely in Defence, Foreign policy has larger resonance: S Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the ability of India and the US to work closely in defence and foreign policy matters has a larger resonance.
"At a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the US to work closely in defence and foreign policy has a larger resonance. Together, we can make a real difference when it comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, countering terrorism or ensuring prosperity," Mr Jaishankar said at the India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue.
"Over the last two decades, our bilateral relationship has grown steadily in its substance, facets and significance. The accompanying comfort levels today enable us to engage much more intensively on matters of national security. This format is clearly tailored to that purpose," Mr Jaishankar added.
India, US Sign Key Defence Agreement BECA
India and the United States have signed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA). Defence ministry's Additional Secretary Jivesh Nandan signed the agreement on behalf of India.
What BECA, Key Defence Agreement, Means For India, US: 10-Point GuideIndia and the United States have a number of key defence agreements, most notably BECA, during the 2+2 India-US ministerial dialogue today. Long in the making, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement or BECA will allow India to gain access to precision data and topographical images - on a real time basis - from United States military satellites." itemprop="description
India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue underway at Hyderabad House
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper pay tribute at National War Memorial in Delhi
Rajnath Singh and Mark Esper reviewed bilateral defence cooperation on Monday
Rajnath Singh and Mark Esper held talks yesterday during which the defence ministers of the two countries reviewed bilateral defence cooperation spanning "military-to-military cooperation, secure communication systems and information sharing, defence trade and industrial issues" and also discussed ways to take bilateral cooperation forward.
India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue to focus on four themes
In a briefing on Friday, a State Department official said that India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue will focus on four themes -- regional security cooperation, defence information sharing, military-to-military interactions and defence trade.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence secretary Mark Esper to call on PM Modi
The two visiting Secretaries will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence. Later, the US officials will leave for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence secretary Mark Esper to visit war memorial
Both the US leaders would visit the war memorial and lay wreaths in honour of the soldiers. The 2+2 inter-ministerial talks are scheduled to be held at 10 am today