New Delhi: India and the United States have signed the much-awaited Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) during the 2+2 ministerial talks. Defence ministry’s Additional Secretary Jivesh Nandan signed the agreement on behalf of the Indian government.
While delivering joint statements along with US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh touted the progression in military cooperation as “very well”. He said that in just two days, both US and India have “explored probable capacity building & other joint cooperation activities in third countries including our neighbourhood & beyond.” Singh even hailed the signing of BECA as “significant achievement”.
“Our military-to-military cooperation is progressing very well. In two days meeting, we also explored probable capacity building and other joint cooperation activities in third countries including our neighbourhood and beyond,” said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh after 2+2 India-US Ministerial Dialogue.
Signing of BECA today after signing of LEMOA in 2016 and COMCASA in 2018 is a significant achievement in that direction: RM Shri @rajnathsingh
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) October 27, 2020
“We also agreed that upholding rules-based international order respecting rule of law and freedom of navigation in the international sea and upholding territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states are essential,” he added.
US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper called the partnership between the two countries “more important than ever”.
“As the world confronts a global pandemic and growing security challenges, the India-US partnership is more important than ever to ensure security, stability and prosperity of the region and the world,” Esper said at the briefing.
#WATCH Our leaders & citizens see with increasing clarity that Chinese Communist Party is no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency… I'm glad to say India & US are taking all steps to strengthen cooperation against all threats & not just those posed by CCP: Mike Pompeo pic.twitter.com/Nxh6iawJ36
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2020
He added, “Based on our shared values and common interests, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder in support of a free and open India-Pacific for all, particularly in light of increasing aggression and destabilising activities by China.”
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo today assured that the United States would stand with India as it “confronts threats” to its sovereignty and liberty.
“The United States will stand by the people of India as they confront threats to their sovereignty and liberty. Our nations are committed to working together into expanding our partnerships across many fronts,” Pompeo said.
U.S values India as a multi-lateral partner, whether it's through the quad, making Afghan peace negotiation successful or working together during India's upcoming term on UN security council, we continue to support India's permanent membership of UNSC: U.S. State Secy Mike Pompeo https://t.co/yb9z7inYcp pic.twitter.com/U0toIOvJNr
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2020
Pompeo who had arrived in India on Monday for the first leg of his four nations’ tour will later in the day leave for Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia. While in India he led the US delegation including Defense Secretary Mark Esper for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue.
“The US and India are taking steps to strengthen our cooperation against all manner of threats and not just those posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Last year, we have expanded our cooperation on cyber issues, our navies have help joint exercises in the Indian ocean,” Pompeo said in the media interaction following the meeting.
#WATCH: We visited National War Memorial to honour brave men & women of Indian armed forces who sacrificed for the world's largest democracy, including 20 killed by PLA in Galwan Valley. US will stand with India as they confront threats to their sovereignty, liberty: Mike Pompeo pic.twitter.com/CwHMAcA1wC
— ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2020
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the talks underlined the importance of stability and peace of the India-Pacific region.
“The India-Pacific region was the particular focus of our talks. We reiterated the importance of stability and peace and prosperity for all countries in this region,” said Jaishankar.
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