The General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) is a bilateral agreement between two countries that facilitates the sharing of sensitive military intelligence and information. It is designed to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries and enhance their defence capabilities by sharing classified information and facilitating joint military operations.
In the context of India and the US, the GSOMIA was signed in 2002, and it allows the two countries to share classified military information and intelligence, including satellite data, on issues related to defence and counter-terrorism. The agreement is an important component of the overall defence cooperation between the two countries and has been instrumental in enhancing their strategic partnership.
Under the GSOMIA, both countries have set up secure communication channels and protocols for sharing information. The agreement also includes provisions for ensuring the protection and confidentiality of the shared information, as well as guidelines for the use and handling of the information.
The GSOMIA has played a significant role in enhancing India’s defence capabilities, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and intelligence gathering. The agreement has enabled India to access advanced US military technologies and intelligence capabilities, which have helped in strengthening India’s defence infrastructure and capabilities.
However, in 2019, India decided to withdraw from the GSOMIA, citing concerns about the US’s willingness to share sensitive information with India. The decision was viewed as a setback for the defence cooperation between the two countries, and it highlighted the challenges faced in building trust and cooperation between the two nations.
It is an important agreement that facilitates the sharing of sensitive military information between India and the US. While the agreement has played a significant role in enhancing India’s defence capabilities, it also highlights the challenges and complexities involved in building trust and cooperation between two nations.
