The United States and India will be sharing more intelligence inputs as they decide to ramp up security and military cooperation between both the countries. Washington and New Delhi have taken this step in the backdrop of China and Pakistan getting closer in terms of intelligence sharing.
Decision to take intelligence sharing between India and the US to a new height has been arrived during recent talks between Indian diplomats and the Capitol Hill officials in the US. Both the countries stressed the need for this enhanced cooperation after it was found that Pakistan was helping China with intelligence inputs to have detailed information regarding Indian Army movements along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Recently, US intelligence had said that China had a much better understanding of Indian troop positions and movement ahead of the 15-16 June Galwan clash in eastern Ladakh. The hint was that Pakistan had shared its intelligence on Indian Army troops’ movements and other strategic positions with China.
Greater cooperation between Pakistan and China is a matter of concern not only for India but also the US, which is quite concerned over this growing bonhomie between Beijing and Islamabad. The unprecedented level of intelligence sharing between Pakistan and China may help Beijing spread its tentacles in Afghanistan faster, a situation which America will not be happy with. It is a fact that China wants to enhance economic activities in Afghanistan which is not good either for the US or India.
“Therefore, it is the need of the hour that both the US and India go into greater cooperation for sharing intelligence inputs and other important information that could preempt any destructive move by Beijing and Islamabad,” said a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official.
India and the US have intensified information sharing after the clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan. The level of intelligence sharing has been enhanced so that both the nations could have access to more confidential inputs.
Preliminary round of discussion regarding it took place between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his US counterpart Mike Pompeo. But later it was followed up by Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, sources said. The military and intelligence cooperation will be much closer than before, says an official. Though an agreement to this effect had been signed two years ago, the need was felt now to enhance it.
“The intelligence cooperation is being increased with focus on counter terrorism,” said a diplomat. Chinese and Pakistani activities along LoC and LAC will be watched more closely by the intelligence agencies of both India and the USA, and whatever “useful” is collected will be shared with each other, said an officer.
According to sources, this enhanced cooperation will also send a message to Pakistan and China that from now onwards they are on the radar of India and the US. Already, India has been given access to a host of US military technologies like advanced drones and communication platforms under the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA).
Diplomatic observers feel that the ramping up the intelligence sharing cooperation will put pressure on Pakistan to curb terrorism. Chinese activities with the motive of expansionism will also be more closely watched.