Senator Rubio introduces US-India Defense Cooperation Act
- In Reports
- 11:14 AM, Jul 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Thursday, US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill in Congress proposing to treat India on par with its allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members regarding technology transfers. The bill also aims to support India in responding to growing threats to its territorial integrity and to bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.
Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region, all while it seeks to impede the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners. The US must continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone, Rubio said after he introduced the US-India Defense Cooperation Act in the Senate.
Given the short timeline of a deeply divided Congress in an election year, the bill is unlikely to make significant progress. However, it may be reintroduced in the next Congress, as there is bipartisan support for the US-India relationship. The bill highlights that the US-India partnership is crucial for countering the influence of Communist China. To strengthen this partnership, it asserts the need to enhance strategic diplomatic, economic, and military ties with New Delhi.
Among other provisions, the bill would establish a Statement of Policy affirming that the US will support India in addressing growing threats to its territorial integrity. It proposes to provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries and to cooperate with India in areas such as defence, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
If enacted, the bill would provide India with a limited exemption from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing Russian equipment currently used by the Indian military. It would also express the sense of Congress that timely consideration of certifications for selling defence articles, services, design and construction services, and major defence equipment to India aligns with US interests and supports peace and stability in India by providing the capabilities needed to deter threats.
The bill proposes to treat India on par with US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members regarding technology transfers. It would authorise the Secretary of State to establish a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance military cooperation, expedite the transfer of excess defence articles to India for two years, grant India the same status as other allies, and expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.
The bill mandates a report to Congress on Pakistan's use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India. It would bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.
This is the first time such an India-centric bill has been introduced in the US Congress. It proposes to elevate India to the same level as US treaty allies, provide an exemption from CAATSA sanctions, and impose sanctions on Pakistan for promoting terrorism in India.
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