The significance of Mike Pompeo’s visit to India amid tensions with China

Amidst the ongoing tension between India and China, the visit of US foreign Minister Mike Pompeo holds great significance. Mike Pompeo, along with the Defence Secretary Mark Esper arrived in India on Monday, October 26 for a 2+2 level meeting with Indian counterparts External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.

As per the Defence Ministry, both India and the US are expected to sign a defense agreement for the sharing of sensitive satellite data. Dignitaries from both sides held a top-level security dialogue aimed at countering China’s growing clout in the Indo-Pacific region.

In the meeting of Defence Ministers, the two men discussed the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement on Geospatial Cooperation. India’s Defence Ministry informed that the same is ready for signing.

Great discussion with @DrSJaishankar ahead of our third U.S.-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. We agree that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is critical to the security and prosperity of both our countries, the Indo-Pacific region, and the world. pic.twitter.com/x4YvMt8nRC

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) October 26, 2020

“We agree that the U.S.-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is critical to the security and prosperity of both our countries, the Indo-Pacific region and the world,” Pompeo tweeted earlier on Monday.

The accord would provide India with access to a range of topographical, nautical, and aeronautical data that is considered vital for targeting missiles and armed drones.

The deal would also allow the US to provide advanced navigational aids and avionics on US-supplied aircraft to India.

Both Pompeo and Esper will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, October 27. It is expected that China would be one of the vital topics of discussion between the two countries.