WASHINGTON: US Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduced a significant piece of legislation on Friday aimed at halting security assistance to Pakistan due to its alleged threats towards India. The bill, known as the US-India Defence Cooperation Act, seeks to address concerns over Pakistan’s actions and enhance the strategic partnership between the United States and India.
The proposed legislation calls for a comprehensive report on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including terrorism and proxy groups targeting India. It stipulates that if Pakistan is found to have sponsored terrorism against India, it should be barred from receiving US security assistance. This measure underscores the bill’s intent to curb any support that could potentially facilitate threats to Indian security.
In addition to addressing Pakistan’s actions, Senator Marco Rubio’s bill emphasizes strengthening the US-India partnership as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence. The legislation aims to enhance diplomatic, economic, and military ties with India, reflecting a strategic shift in US foreign policy.
A key provision of the bill is to afford India a status comparable to that of US allies such as Japan, Israel, and South Korea in terms of technology transfers. This would include providing a limited exemption from the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions, which currently penalize countries purchasing significant defense hardware from Russia. If approved, the bill would allow India to procure military equipment from Russia without facing US sanctions, thus supporting its defense capabilities.
The bill also proposes expedited consideration of defense articles, services, and equipment sales to India, emphasizing their alignment with US interests and regional stability. It suggests that the Secretary of State enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to bolster military cooperation and expand International Military Education and Training (IMET) programs.
Furthermore, the legislation seeks to authorize the expedited transfer of excess defense articles to India for the next two years, further solidifying the strategic alliance between Washington and New Delhi.
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