On Thursday, US Republican Senator Marco Rubio announced the introduction of a new legislative proposal aimed at bolstering the strategic, diplomatic, and military relationship between the United States and India.
The bill, known as the US-India Defense Cooperation Act, is to enhance collaboration with New Delhi in response to China’s expanding influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a statement, Rubio emphasized the urgency of the bill, saying, “Communist China is aggressively extending its reach in the Indo-Pacific while undermining the sovereignty of our regional partners. It is vital for the US to reaffirm its support and stand with India and other nations facing these aggressive tactics.”
The proposed legislation outlines several key measures:
Support for India’s Territorial Integrity:
Establishes a Statement of Policy affirming US support for India in addressing threats to its territorial integrity. This however includes providing security assistance to deter potential adversaries.
Cooperation Across Sectors:
Encourages collaboration with India in areas such as defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
Exemption From CAATSA Sanctions:
Proposes a limited exemption for India from Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions related to purchases of Russian military equipment currently in use by the Indian armed forces.
Enhanced Status & Cooperation:
Treats India with the same status as US allies like Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members regarding technology transfers. It however authorizes the Secretary of State to sign a memorandum of understanding with India to deepen military cooperation, expedite the transfer of excess defense articles, and expand International Military Education and Training programs.
Requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force against India, including terrorism and proxy warfare. It also proposes barring Pakistan from receiving US security assistance if found to have sponsored terrorism against India.
Rubio’s bill seeks to fortify the US-India partnership as a counterbalance to China’s growing regional assertiveness.
By aligning India’s status with key US allies and promoting enhanced military and technological cooperation, the bill underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-US alliance in maintaining regional stability.
The proposal also addresses concerns related to Pakistan’s actions, aiming to hold Islamabad accountable for any role in sponsoring terrorism against India, thereby influencing US policy towards the South Asian region.
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