Shafaqna India: In a shift from previous US criticisms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Moscow visit, a US lawmaker has introduced the US-India Defence Cooperation Act in the Senate, advocating for India to be treated on par with allies like Japan, South Korea, and NATO nations regarding technology sharing.
The Act, proposed by Florida Representative Marco Rubio, also seeks to impose a ban on US aid to Pakistan if it is found to support or facilitate terrorism in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, it calls for an exemption for India from sanctions related to its use of Russian military equipment.
The legislation aims to bolster bilateral cooperation, particularly as India faces increased threats from China. It proposes enhancing the US-India strategic, diplomatic, economic, and military relationship and supporting India’s response to threats against its borders.
The Act includes provisions for the US to provide security assistance to India to deter violations of its land and maritime borders by foreign actors. It also suggests that Pakistan be held accountable for any US-supplied weapons used in terrorist activities against India and requires detailed reporting on such instances.
Furthermore, the Act seeks amendments to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) to exempt India’s currently used military capabilities from sanctions. Rubio’s statement on the legislation highlighted the need for US support in countering China’s aggressive expansion in the Indo-Pacific region and protecting the sovereignty of regional partners.
The proposed Act aims to establish a policy of robust US support for India, including expedited military equipment certifications and equitable treatment in technology transfers, aligning India with the status of key US allies.
