Question1- Consider the following statement about COMCASA:
A.It is referred as Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement.
B.It is a part of a set of three agreements that is essential for functional military relationship with US.
C.Earlier it is known as CISMOA.
D.It was welcomed by UPA.
Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(a)Only A
(b)Only B
(c)Both A&C
(d)All of the above
Answer- (d)
Related Facts:
- 2+2 Bilateral Dialogue between India and United States was held on September 6, 2018 in New Delhi.
- Minister of External Affairs Smt. Sushma Swaraj and Minister of Defence Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman taken part on behalf India while US was represented by Secretary of State Mr. Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mr. James N. Mattis.
- During the dialogue India and US signed COMCASA (Communication Compatibility and Security Agreement).
- The next 2+2 meeting is to be held in the United States in 2019.
About COMCASA
- COMCASA is meant to provide a legal framework for the transfer of communication security equipment from the US to India.
- The general agreement signed by US is called Communication and Information on Security Memorandum of Agreement, but the name was changed to COMCASA to reflect its India- specific nature.
- COMCASA is said to be part of a set of three agreements the US considers vital for functional military relationship.
- In August 2016, India has signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which allows the military of each country to replenish from the other’s bases.
- Negotiations on the third agreement, Basic Exchange and cooperation for Geo- Spatial Cooperation (BECA), have not yet begun.
US Concern:
- S. officials state that Indian armed forces are currently dependent on less secure communication systems for surveillance.
- These platforms are, therefore an impediment in real time data sharing with friendly militaries, and seamless interoperability during joint missions.
- They argue, COMCASA will facilitate the Indian military to use its high-end secured communication equipment.
- COMCASA is also said to be imperative if India is to get the armed version of the Sea Guardian drones from the US.
Benefits –
- S. granted India the status of “Major Defence Partner” during the Obama’s time, to facilitate transfer of high-end defence technology.
- Signing of the 3 foundational agreements would underline that status, besides making the transfer of American defence technology possible to India.
- COMCASA allows India to procure transfer of special equipments for encrypted communications for US military platform like C-17, C-130 and P-81s.
Risks –
- New Delhi is believed to be concerned about intrusive access COMCASA would grant the U.S. to Indian military communication system.
- There is also a fear that a lot of Russian-origin and indigenous Indian military platforms may not be compatible with COMCASA.
- UPA refused LEMOA because it feared getting dragged into a US military alliance.
- The agreement may specify US personnel to be given access to US – secured communication equipment for periodic inspection.
References:
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183297
http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=183300
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-comcasa/article24881039.ece