⁍ The United States and India signed a pact to share sensitive satellite and map data on Tuesday.
⁍ U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the two countries had to work together to confront the threat China posed to security and freedom.
⁍ The annual U.S.-India strategic dialogue comes at a time of heightened tension in the region, with Indian troops confronting Chinese forces on their disputed Himalayan border.
– “Big things are happening as our democracies align to better protect the citizens of our two countries and indeed, of the free world,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in New Delhi on Tuesday after signing a pact to share sensitive satellite and map data with India, Reuters reports. “Our leaders, and our citizens, see with increasing clarity that the Chinese Communist Party is no friend to democracy, the rule of law, transparency, nor to freedom of navigation, the foundation of a free and open, prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Pompeo said. The new defense pact—the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement on Geospatial Cooperation—will give India access to a range of topographical, nautical, and aeronautical data that is considered vital for targeting of missiles and armed drones. It would also allow the United States to provide advanced navigational aids and avionics on US-supplied aircraft to India, an Indian defense source said. India has its own problems with China. In June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese troops on their high-altitude border, hardening the mood in India against China and driving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to seek closer military ties with the United States.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-asia-india/us-warns-of-threat-posed-by-china-signs-military-pact-with-india-idUSKBN27C0OA