Page 641 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

power into the Indo-Pacific region. It broad-bases the relationship into
an area of particular interest for the Donald Trump administration —

defence trade. It is also a critical area for India as the world’s largest

arms importer. These realities will help the relationship survive
disruptions or mutual irritants that will inevitably arise.

It will also provide a legal framework for the transfer of encrypted

communication security equipment from the US to India. It is believed
to be safer and more secure than the system that India uses right now.

Encryption is the first and most important line of defence in military

equipment.

The signing of COMCASA indicates some Indian weapon systems

would see an immediate increase in capabilities, including the C-130
and C-17 aircraft.

COMCASA not only improves India’s ability to fight alongside the US

Navy better, but also alongside several other global navies with similar
equipment that are major players in the Indo-Pacific, such as Japan,

South Korea, Australia and Singapore.

COMCASA allows India to utilise US communications core systems

that are among the best in the world. During the Doklam standoff, for
instance, India benefitted from US intelligence on the placement of

Chinese troops on the plateau in the high Himalayas. However, in the

absence of a foundational agreement on sharing of sensitive intelligence
such as COMCASA, US inputs were subject to a time-lag. It wasn’t

‘real-time’ and that can often make all the difference.

Issues with COMCASA

The signing of this agreement will enhance the operability of the US defence
equipment used by India, but will India face the following problems after

signing the deal?