US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill in Congress on 25 July, proposing to treat India equally to allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea and NATO allies. The bill aims to support India in addressing threats to its territorial integrity and to cut off security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India. Rubio emphasised the importance of countering China’s aggressive expansion in the Indo-Pacific region and supporting India and other regional partners. He introduced the US-India Defense Cooperation Act in the Senate, stating that India is not alone in facing these challenges.
The bill is unlikely to make much progress due to the short timeline and a divided Congress in an election year. However, it might be reintroduced in the next Congress, as bipartisan support for the US-India relationship exists. The bill emphasises the importance of the US-India partnership in countering influences from Communist China. It asserts that enhancing strategic diplomatic, economic, and military ties with New Delhi is essential to strengthen this partnership.
The bill would establish a Statement of Policy stating that the US will support India in its response to increasing threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries and cooperate with India in the areas of defence, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
When passed into law, it would provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchases of Russian equipment that are currently used by the Indian military and 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. As per the bill proposal, India’s interest is to have peace and stability and the capabilities needed to deter threats.
The proposal aims to treat India similarly to US allies like Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers. It also authorises the Secretary of State to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance military cooperation, speed up 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 requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India. It also proposes to bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India. It is the first time such an India-centric bill has been introduced in the US Congress. It aims to put India at the same level as its treaty ally, exempt it from CAATSA sanctions, and impose sanctions on Pakistan for promoting terrorism in India.
Team BharatShakti
