Confirmed: India & US are signing BECA pact

The crucial BECA pact will pave the way for India to get access to geospatial information, including nautical and aeronautical charts, via highly accurate US satellites. 

India and United States have agreed to a Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation which will give New Delhi access to extremely accurate geo-spatial data that will have several military applications.

The confirmation came after visiting US Defence Secretary Mark Esper's meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the South Block. 

The crucial agreement will pave the way for India to get access to geospatial information, including nautical and aeronautical charts, via highly accurate US satellites. This would not just assist in long-range navigation but also missile-targeting of military assets with enhanced accuracy.

India is also expected to share similar data with the U.S

The signing of the agreement comes at a critical time for India which is engaged in a standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control, and at the same time fighting terror emenating from across the Line of Control.

During the bilateral meeting in New Delhi, the two leaders also reviewed bilateral defence ties spanning military to military cooperation, secure communication systems, defence trade and industrial issues.