India, U.S. set to sign key defence pact on satellite data

s like high quality GPS and real time data that would enhance the efficiency of military equipment acquired from the U.S., including missiles and aircraft.

Indian Defence Ministry statement after Esper and Singh held a one-on-one meeting Monday noted that “the two ministers expressed satisfaction that agreement of BECA will be signed during the visit.’’

The U.S. State Department in a pre-visit briefing said the discussions will focus on global cooperation, on pandemic response, challenges in the Indo-Pacific and defence and security cooperation.

There has been increasing defence cooperation between India and the U.S. in recent years, with both wary of China’s aggressive postures in the Asia-Pacific region.

The U.S. has sold India more than 20 billion dollars’ worth of military equipment since 2007.