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Senator Rubio introduces bill to strengthen US-India security partnership
The Act also aims to expand international military education and training cooperation with New Delhi.
Sen Rubio was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2010. /
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced legislation to bolster bilateral defense and security cooperation between India and the United States, amid China’s growing aggression in the Indo Pacific region.
The U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act sets a Statement of Policy that the U.S. will support India in responding to threats to its territorial integrity. This includes providing necessary security assistance to deter adversaries and cooperating with India on defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
The Act also proposes a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchases of Russian equipment currently used by the Indian military. It also sets a Sense of Congress that rapid consideration of certifications for letters of offer to sell defense articles, services, and major defense equipment to India is consistent with U.S. interests. This, the Act argues, is crucial for regional peace and stability, ensuring India has the necessary capabilities to deter threats.
Further, it seeks to treat India similarly to U.S. allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers. It authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance military cooperation and expedites the transfer of excess defense articles to India for two years, granting India the same status as other allies.
The Act also aims to expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation (IMET) with New Delhi. Moreover, it requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India, and proposes barring Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.
Commenting on the significance of the bill, Sen.Rubio said, "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. It’s crucial for the U.S. to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone.”
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