India, US to ink landmark defence pact BECA during 2+2 talks on Tuesday

In a reflection of their fast expanding strategic ties, India and the US will ink the landmark defence pact, BECA, on Tuesday that will provide for sharing of high-end military technology, geospatial maps and classified satellite data between their militaries.

After the wide-ranging talks between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his American counterpart Mark T Esper, the defence ministry said,"the two ministers expressed satisfaction that agreement of BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement) will be signed during the visit."

Esper and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived here on Monday on a two-day visit for the Indo-US 2+2 dialogue during which both