WASHINGTON (Diya TV) – Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act to strengthen ties with India amid growing regional influences from China. Rubio aims to enhance the strategic, diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi through this proposed legislation.
“The U.S.-India partnership is vital to countering influences from Communist China,” Rubio stated in a press release. “Enhancing our strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi is essential.”
The legislation promotes bilateral cooperation to counter potential hostile actions by China near India. It establishes U.S. policy to support India against threats to its borders and commits to providing security assistance to deter adversarial actions. The bill also encourages cooperation in defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
Rubio’s act proposes treating India similarly to U.S. and NATO allies regarding technology transfers. It grants the Secretary of State the authority to collaborate with India in these areas and enables Congress to expedite defense weapons and arms, aligning with U.S. interests and supporting peace and stability in India.
“Communist China continues to aggressively expand in the Indo-Pacific region, impeding the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners,” Rubio said. “The U.S. must support countering these tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone.”
Rubio’s legislation also proposes barring security assistance to Pakistan if it sponsors terrorism against India. The bill mandates a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India.
The U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act aims to elevate India to the same status as treaty allies, exempt India from Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions for purchasing Russian military equipment currently in use, and expedite the transfer of defense articles to India.
