Influential US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill in Congress on Friday, aiming to bolster India's defense against China's expanding influence and address perceived threats from Pakistan.
The proposed US-India Defence Cooperation Act advocates for robust "technology transfers" to India and calls for the administration to "treat India with the same status as US allies like Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members."
The bill mandates the US administration to submit "a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including 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."
If enacted, this legislation could have significant consequences for Pakistan, especially as Islamabad and Washington are working to strengthen their bilateral relationship. Providing India with advanced weapons typically reserved for close US allies and NATO members could undermine Pakistan’s defence capabilities and constrain its ability to respond to Indian actions in the region.
Although the bill is unlikely to advance in the current Congress, which is ending its session this year, it may be reintroduced in the next Congress, given the bipartisan support for enhancing the India-US relationship.
The bill argues that the US-India partnership is crucial for countering China’s influence and suggests enhancing Washington’s “strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship” with New Delhi.
Senator Rubio stated that the proposed legislation would “declare a policy that the US will support India in responding to threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries, and cooperate with India in defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.”
The bill proposes a limited exemption for India from CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions, which are aimed at countering Russia’s influence. These sanctions target Russian defense and intelligence sectors, and countries engaging in significant transactions with these sectors may face secondary sanctions.
The proposed exemption would allow India to purchase Russian equipment currently used by the Indian military without facing US sanctions.
The bill seeks a 'Sense of Congress' statement that “expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to India is consistent with US interests.” It notes that “it is in the interest of peace and stability for India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats.”
Additionally, the bill authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation and expedite excess defense articles to India for two years. It also calls for expanding international military education and training cooperation with New Delhi, seeking the same status for India as granted to other allies.
