What is Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA)?

The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) is an agreement between the United States and India that was signed in 2018. It is a foundational agreement that provides a framework for the United States and India to share military communications equipment and information.

COMCASA allows the United States and India to share real-time operational information and data, which will help in better coordination and collaboration between the two militaries. This will also facilitate the sale of high-end military technology from the US to India. The agreement also provides for the protection of classified information exchanged between the two countries.

Before the signing of COMCASA, the US-India military communications were based on ad-hoc arrangements, which made the sharing of sensitive information more difficult. The agreement allows for the standardization of communications equipment, software and procedures, which makes it easier for the US and Indian forces to operate together.

COMCASA is one of the four foundational agreements that the US has with its military partners, the other two being the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA). These agreements are designed to facilitate better interoperability between the militaries of the US and its partners.

The signing of COMCASA is seen as a major step forward in the US-India defence relationship. The agreement not only allows for better communication and coordination between the two militaries but also opens up new opportunities for the sale of high-end military technology to India. The agreement is expected to enhance the strategic partnership between the US and India, as well as contribute to regional stability and security.