Which agreement/s are signed between India and USA?
A. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA). B. General Security of Military Information (GSOMIA).
C. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).

Question

Which agreement/s are signed between India and USA?
A. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA).		B. General Security of Military Information (GSOMIA).
C. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA).

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:
All three agreements—A. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Intelligence (BECA), B. General Security of Military Information (GSOMIA), and C. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA)—are foundational military agreements signed between India and the United States. These agreements are crucial for deepening defense cooperation and intelligence sharing, essentially forming the bedrock of the India-U.S. strategic partnership. GSOMIA was the first of these to be signed in 2007, enabling secure military information exchange. LEMOA, signed in 2016, allows the militaries of both nations to use each other's bases for repairs and resupply. Finally, BECA, signed in 2020, allows India access to U.S. satellite and geospatial data for enhanced accuracy of automated systems, missiles, and drones. Therefore, since all three pacts have been signed, the comprehensive option "All A, B, C" is correct.

The incorrect option is 1:
Option 1, "Only C" (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement - LEMOA), is incorrect because it excludes the other two essential foundational agreements. While LEMOA is indeed a significant pact, signed in 2016, it is not the only one. GSOMIA (2007) and BECA (2020) are equally important agreements that allow for sharing classified information and geospatial intelligence, respectively, which are vital components of the bilateral defense framework. Choosing only C suggests a lack of understanding regarding the complete set of agreements signed over the years to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and the USA. Therefore, this option is incomplete and fails to acknowledge the full extent of the defense pacts.

The incorrect option is 2:
Option 2, "Only A, C," which includes BECA and LEMOA, is incorrect because it omits the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA). GSOMIA, signed back in 2007, is arguably the primary pact that lays the groundwork for all secure information exchange, as it protects classified military data shared between the two countries. Without GSOMIA, the operational effectiveness of BECA and LEMOA would be compromised, as sensitive information exchanged under them could not be legally protected. Since all three are considered foundational agreements that India has signed with the US, excluding GSOMIA makes this option factually incomplete in describing the entire set of key defense pacts.

The incorrect option is 4:
Option 4, "Only A, B," which includes BECA and GSOMIA, is incorrect because it excludes the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). LEMOA is a pivotal pact that facilitates logistical support, such as refueling, provisioning, and medical services, between the armed forces of both nations when operating together or visiting each other's bases. This agreement significantly enhances inter-operability and joint military exercises. Excluding LEMOA means ignoring one of the four cornerstone agreements critical for practical military engagement and cooperation. Thus, failing to include this crucial logistics pact renders the option incomplete and inaccurate.