Q. ‘Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)’, recently seen in news relates to:

  • USA
  • European Union
  • SAARC
  • ASEAN

Answer: (a) USA

Notes:
  • India and the US have signed Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
  • The main purpose of COMCASA is to facilitate military relations, communications and the exchange of valuable technologies.
  • COMCASA is meant to provide a legal framework for the transfer of communication security equipment from the US to India that would facilitate “interoperability” between their forces – and potentially with other militaries that use US-origin systems for secured data links.

Highlights of COMCASA agreement:

  • COMCASA is an India specific agreement.
  • The agreement is for 10 years and it comes into effect immediately.
  • India will have full access to relevant US equipment.
  • There will be no disruption in supply.
  • Indian Navy will have access to real-time classified information from US Navy.