Why in News?

• The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) was recently signed between India and the U.S. at the second 2+2 dialogue in Washington.

About 2+2 Dialogue:

• It is a format of dialogue where the defense and foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.
• India holds such talks with Japan andAustralia, at the foreign secretary and Defense secretary level.
• India holds ministerial-level talks only with the US. Apart from India, the United Statesholds such ministerial dialogues with Australia and Japan
• The talks were announced when Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump in June 2017.
• The “2+2” dialogue has replaced the Strategic and Commercial Dialogue between the foreign and commerce ministers of the two countries that were held during the previous Obama administration.

Outcomes of the Summit:

• Industrial Security Annex (ISA): The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) to the India-U.S. General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA)will provide a framework for exchange and protection of classified military information between the U.S. and Indian defence industries.
• Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): United States has announced its commitment to being the founding member of the CDRI whose headquarters will be located in India.

• Finalisation of Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): This will harmonise the two side’s processes for identification, development and execution of projects under the DTTI.
• S&T Agreement: The new Science and Technology (S&T) Agreement concluded and implemented updates and replaces the 2005 Agreement and provides a framework for collaboration between the two countries in all fields of science, technology and innovation.
• The Young Innovators Internship Programme (YIIP): This Programme will create short-term internship opportunities in the U.S. for Indian students at post-secondary level or recent graduates, in key areas of scientific and economic endeavour.
• Tiger Triumph Exercise: It has been decided to hold the India-U.S. joint tri-services and amphibious exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ on an annual basis. It was first held in November 2019 as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
• Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA): Both countries have agreed to continue discussions on BECA. It will enable exchange of geo-spatial information between the two countries, enhancing the operational efficiency of the U.S. platforms currently being operated by India.
• MRO facilities in India: In line with GOI’s efforts to build defence industry ecosystem in India, both countries have agreed to explore collaboration for establishment of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India.

Other Defence Agreements between India and US:

• There are four foundational agreements that help the U.S. to intensify its defence cooperation with a partner nation such as India.
• India has already signed three pacts such as Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) and Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
• LEMOAgives both nations access to each other’s military facilities. But it does not make it automatic or obligatory.
• GSOMIA paved the way for greater technology cooperation in the military sector.
• COMCASAfacilitates transfer of encrypted communications systems.
• It helps in sharing high-tech military hardware, especially armed drones which the U.S. is willing to supply to India.
• The other pact which India yet to ratify is Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-spatial Cooperation (BECA).
• BECAfacilitates exchange of Geospatial Information.