India-US relations:- Part 1 ( On 2+2 talks )...

India-US relations:- Begining 

        As we all know that most parts of the post-Independence history of India, Russia (USSR) were a close ally of India. Russia supported India in regional issues, Wars, Military & space Technology & many others. But recently (mainly in the past two decades) India also started making a good ally with the US. Started having bilateral talks, economic agreements, the supply of military equipment & so many other things. Though India is not opposing Russia or breaking allies with Russia. But looking at Russia's economic agreements & other involvements with China. So, India is also improving ties with the US.

India-US relations:- Current Status

        As of 2020, India-US relations are blooming like anything. US is supporting India's bid for NSG, UN permanent memberships. Invitations for participation are also coming for meets like G-7 summits. Be it technology, highly advanced military equipment, support in regional politics (like in a stand-off with China) the US is supporting India. In 2016 the US designated India as a "major defense partner" and wanted to increase defense trade. The US is ready to invest in India to make it a manufacturing hub. China is a common problem for both countries & India is the fastest growing economy (considering before Covid-19 & predictions for 2021) the US can make the most out of India's geopolitical location like they are doing of Japan (in South-China Sea issues). On the Indian side, India already received Chinooks, Apache, C-17 Globemasters from the US. Some other deals are also on the table on which talks are going on.

What are the "2+2 Talks"?:-

        The reason it is called "2+2" because two ministries are involved. Namely Ministry of external affairs & Ministry of Defense of both the countries. In total three 2+2 talks have been done between India & the US. 

A. Some of the important agreements signed before talks started:-

1. In 2002, the General Security Of Military Information Agreement (G.S.O.M.I.A.) was signed. This agreement allows both countries to share military intelligence & also protect each other's classified information. 

2. In 2016, both countries signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum Of Agreement (L.E.M.O.U.). It allows both countries to use each other's bases for repair & replenishment of supplies and further deeper cooperation.

B. Agreements signed under "2+2 talks":-

1. In 2018, Communication Compatability and Security Agreement (C.O.M.C.A.S.A.) was signed during the inaugural of bilateral talks. The agreement allows countries to share secure communication and information on approved equipment during bilateral talks and multinational training exercises and operations.

2. In 2020, Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (B.E.C.A.) was signed during the Oct 2020 installment of "2+2 talks". This enables both the countries to share unclassified and controlled classified geospatial,  topographical, aeronautical data.

        Concluding, the India-US relation is a huge topic & has a very versatile angle. But, Current US president Donald Trump fired Mark Esper who was secretary of defense & was in India during the Oct 2020 "2+2 talks". The decision has led to many questions on the Indian side. Let's see what happens with the new president and his committee. 

Note:- I will try to cover these bilateral relations in 3 to 4 parts. This blog is just an overview of a long process happening between the two nations. Specifically, for the aspirants who will be facing SSB in upcoming months.

Regards,

Bhargav Deshpande