US Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Friday aimed at bolstering Washington’s strategic, diplomatic, economic, and military ties with India, primarily to counter the influence of China.
The bill also calls for requiring a Congressional report on Pakistan’s use of force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India.
It proposes barring security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to sponsor terrorism against India.
The legislation proposes to treat India with the same status as US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers.
Pakistan was declared a major non-NATO ally under Republican President George W Bush’s administration in 2004.
Rubio’s bill also proposes allowing India to purchase military equipment from Russia for use by New Delhi’s armed forces without facing US sanctions.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to expedite excess defence articles to India for two years and to expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.
It authorises the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation.
The bill titled “US-India Defense Cooperation Act”, will be
seeking to cut off aid to Pakistan if it takes action against India.
The bill emphasizes strengthening ties with New Delhi regarding technology transfers and in case of a threat, the US will provide necessary security assistance to India.
It is pertinent to mention here that Russia is a vital supplier of cut-price oil and weapons to India, but Moscow’s isolation from the West and growing ties with Beijing have impacted its partnership with New Delhi.
Western powers have in recent years also cultivated stronger relations with New Delhi as a hedge against China and its growing influence across the Asia-Pacific, while pressuring New Delhi to distance itself from Russia.
The US-India Defence Cooperation Act requires a report on Pakistan’s “use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups against India”.
The proposed bill also aims to “bar Pakistan from receiving assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India”.
Senator Rubio also proposed to strengthen the US-India partnership to counter China’s influence, saying it is essential to enhance the strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi.
The bill, if approved, would allow India to purchase equipment from Russia currently used by the Indian military without having to face US sanctions.
Furthermore, the legislation also seeks to “set a sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defence articles, defence services, design and construction services, and major defence equipment to India is consistent with US interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats”.
It also aims to authorise the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation.
The bill also seeks to expedite excess defence articles to India for two years.seeking to cut off aid to Pakistan if it takes action against India.
The bill emphasizes strengthening ties with New Delhi regarding technology transfers and in case of a threat, the US will provide necessary security assistance to India.
It is pertinent to mention here that Russia is a vital supplier of cut-price oil and weapons to India, but Moscow’s isolation from the West and growing ties with Beijing have impacted its partnership with New Delhi.
Western powers have in recent years also cultivated stronger relations with New Delhi as a hedge against China and its growing influence across the Asia-Pacific, while pressuring New Delhi to distance itself from Russia.
The US-India Defence Cooperation Act requires a report on Pakistan’s “use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups against India”.
The proposed bill also aims to “bar Pakistan from receiving assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India”.
Senator Rubio also proposed to strengthen the US-India partnership to counter China’s influence, saying it is essential to enhance the strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi.
The bill, if approved, would allow India to purchase equipment from Russia currently used by the Indian military without having to face US sanctions.
Furthermore, the legislation also seeks to “set a sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defence articles, defence services, design and construction services, and major defence equipment to India is consistent with US interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats”.
It also aims to authorise the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation.
The bill also seeks to expedite excess defence articles to India for two years.
