India and the United States today signed a key defence agreement, the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), giving a new dimension to their bilateral relations
The agreement is seen as important in light of the ongoing military tensions between India and China over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) for more than six months.
Amid ongoing military standoff and border tensions between India and China, the United States today assured that it is always ready to help India “safeguard its sovereignty and integrity”.
Addressing a joint press conference after the signing of the BECA agreement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured India of their continued support in its efforts to “safeguard India’s sovereignty”.
He said that the US always stands by India in dealing with any threat pose and there will be no change in America’s position.
Note that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Secretary of Defense Mark Asper were in Delhi for an annual 2 + 2 ministerial meeting with India.
They discussed bilateral cooperation with Indian Foreign Minister Subramanian J. Shankar and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh as well as various issues of regional and global importance.
The US ministers also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Dobhal.
