India and the United States have built a strong defence relationship over the last two decades. Agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA are seen as milestones that brought our militaries closer together. With India US defence pacts, India has access to advanced technology, intelligence, and logistics support that strengthened our defence readiness.
But today, as global politics shifts and Washington’s policies grow unpredictable, many in India are asking a simple question: should India reconsider these defence pacts?
The answer does not lie in tearing up agreements or turning hostile, but in reminding the U.S. that India has options, leverage, and above all, strategic autonomy.
What Are the India US Defence Pacts?
To understand their significance, let’s briefly look at what these pacts mean:
LEMOA (Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement): Signed in 2016, this allows India and the U.S. to use each other’s bases for refueling, repair, and resupply on a case-by-case basis. It is not a permanent basing agreement but enables smoother operations in joint missions. Source: Council on Foreign Relations
COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement): Signed in 2018, this gives India access to secure U.S. communication equipment. It allows encrypted, real-time communication between Indian and U.S. military platforms. Source: Carnegie India
BECA (Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement): Signed in 2020, this allows India to receive advanced geospatial intelligence from the U.S., enhancing the accuracy of Indian missiles and surveillance systems. Source: Brookings
Together, these India US defence pacts are called “foundational agreements” because they lay the base for deeper strategic cooperation.
Why These Agreements Were Important
When India signed these deals, the benefits were clear:
Better interoperability with the world’s most powerful military.
Access to advanced technologies and intelligence.
Easier logistics for operations across the Indo-Pacific.
Stronger deterrence against threats in the region.
For a rising India, building these bridges with the U.S. seemed like a smart move.
The Problem: An Uncertain America
However, global politics in 2025 looks very different. The U.S. has recently imposed 50% tariffs on Indian exports, hurting industries like textiles, chemicals, and seafood. Source: Reuters
This sudden economic blow shows how unpredictable Washington can be. Today, it is tariffs. Tomorrow, it could be defence technology access or sanctions.
For India, this raises a key question: what happens if we rely too much on U.S. systems and then face policy reversals?
Risks of Over-Reliance on Defence Pacts
From a neutral perspective, the India US defence pacts carry some hidden risks in the long run:
Strategic Autonomy at Risk
India has always prided itself on being independent. Too much reliance on U.S. military systems could restrict India’s freedom in foreign policy, especially if U.S. interests clash with ours.Dependence on U.S. Technology
With COMCASA and BECA, critical systems like communication and targeting rely on American platforms. If the U.S. pulls the plug, India could face operational disruptions.Data and Security Concerns
These agreements involve sharing sensitive military data. Over time, this could give Washington deep insights into Indian military movements and strategies.Pressure to Align with U.S. Rivals
The U.S. sees China and Russia as rivals. India, however, still maintains relations with both. These pacts could reduce our flexibility to balance ties.Vulnerability to U.S. Policy Swings
Just as tariffs hit our economy, a future U.S. administration could easily use defence cooperation as leverage.
How India Can Send a Clear Message
Reconsidering these agreements does not mean cutting ties. Instead, India can use them as leverage in negotiations. Some ways to do this include:
Recalibrating Participation: India can slow down or restrict how much it activates certain provisions of these pacts without ending them.
Limiting Data Sharing: Access to intelligence can be narrowed to specific missions, reminding the U.S. that trust must be mutual.
Exploring Alternatives: India can strengthen defence ties with France, Israel, Japan, and even rely more on indigenous technology.
Making it Political: Simply signalling that India is “reviewing” these pacts sends a strong message that cooperation is not unconditional.
Public Sentiment: Pride and Sovereignty
The Indian public expects its government to defend both economic interests and national pride. Many Indians support close ties with the U.S., but not if they come at the cost of sovereignty.
By reconsidering India US defence pacts, even symbolically, New Delhi can show the world that:
India’s friendship is valuable, but never free of conditions.
India will not compromise on its independence.
Strategic autonomy is non-negotiable.
A Balanced Approach for the Future
India should not abandon its relationship with the U.S. — the defence partnership has real benefits, from military exercises like Yudh Abhyas to counter-terrorism cooperation. Source: Times of India
But at the same time, India should:
Diversify defence suppliers.
Strengthen indigenous defence research.
Use the pacts as bargaining tools, not permanent handcuffs.
Conclusion
The India US defence pacts gave our military new capabilities and improved cooperation. But in today’s unpredictable world, they must be seen not as commitments written in stone, but as cards in India’s hand.
By even hinting at a reconsideration of these agreements, India can send a powerful message: we value partnerships, but sovereignty comes first.
In diplomacy, sometimes the strongest signal is not what you do, but what you could choose to do. And right now, India holds strong cards — cards that Washington cannot afford to ignore.
FAQs on India US Defence Pacts
Q1. What are the India US defence pacts and why are they important?
The India US defence pacts—LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA—are agreements for logistics, communication, and intelligence sharing. They are important for India’s security and interoperability with the U.S. military.
Q2. What is LEMOA in India US defence pacts?
LEMOA stands for Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement. It allows India and the U.S. to use each other’s bases for refueling, repair, and resupply on a case-by-case basis.
Q3. What is COMCASA in India US defence pacts?
COMCASA is the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement. It provides India with secure U.S. communication systems for real-time, encrypted military coordination.
Q4. What is BECA in India US defence pacts?
BECA is the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement. It enables India to access advanced U.S. geospatial data, improving missile accuracy, surveillance, and targeting.
Q5. How do LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA strengthen India’s military capabilities?
Together, they give India access to logistics, secure communication, and high-quality geospatial intelligence, making joint operations smoother and strengthening defence readiness.
Q6. Can the India US defence pacts affect India’s strategic autonomy?
Yes, too much reliance on U.S. systems could reduce India’s freedom in foreign policy decisions, especially if U.S. interests conflict with India’s.
Q7. What are the risks of India relying too much on the US for defence cooperation?
Risks include overdependence on U.S. technology, vulnerability to policy shifts, data security risks, and political pressure to align with U.S. rivals.
Q8. Why are people saying India should reconsider these defence pacts?
Because of recent U.S. tariffs and sanctions, many argue India should review the pacts to remind Washington that cooperation must respect Indian sovereignty.
Q9. How could US sanctions or tariffs impact India US defence relations?
Sanctions or tariffs create distrust. If the U.S. can impose sudden trade restrictions, India must prepare for similar unpredictability in defence cooperation.
Q10. Are there alternatives to the India US defence pacts for India’s security needs?
Yes. India can deepen defence ties with countries like France, Israel, and Japan, while also focusing on indigenous defence production.
Q11. What message would India send if it rethinks or renegotiates these pacts?
India would signal that it values partnerships but will never compromise on independence and sovereignty.
Q12. Do the India US defence pacts mean India has to take sides in global conflicts?
No. These are technical agreements, not military alliances. India is not legally bound to join U.S. wars or conflicts.
Q13. What is the future of India US strategic partnership in defence?
It depends on mutual trust. If the U.S. respects India’s autonomy, ties will grow stronger. If unpredictability continues, India may diversify partnerships.