While the UPA Government had rejected to sign the LSA, CISMOA and BECA Agreements with United States, the current government's stand seems to have changed. While throwing light on these agreements, suggest what stand India should take.

These agreements are called “Foundational Agreements” which will take strategic and defence ties to a next level.
 The UPA government had refused to sign due to coalition pressures but the current Government has shown interest to sign them.
CISMOA (Communication and Information Security Memorandum Agreement) would allow the interoperability of India and United States equipments. By interoperability, we mean that there would be access to encrypted and secret technologies or communications. This agreement could also be important for multinational operations related to rescue, disaster relief etc.
LSA (Logistics Support Agreement)would enable mutual exchange of logistics support, supplies and services (LSSS) between the defense forces of both countries.
BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) for Geo-spatial Cooperation would facilitate exchange of geospatial information between India and United States for both military and civilian use.
United States calls these agreements as “foundational” in terms of cooperation of defense or sensitive technologies. US argues that these would enable technology transfer, logistics and seamless communication between military systems of the two countries. Further, the LSA would also help India to deal with 21st century challenges more efficiently by correcting the deficiencies in logistics.
It would help them to share their experience and strengthen their operational capabilities in joint military exercises, training, and defence equipment sales.  These agreements also have economic benefits. They would enable cashless supplies to each other’s armed forces on credit.
Therefore, need of the hour for India is to sign these three vital agreements with the US in order to foster seamless help from the US.

Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations