The U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act, introduced by Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between the United States and India, particularly in response to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. This legislation recognizes India’s importance as a counterbalance to Chinese aggression and seeks to enhance diplomatic, economic, and military ties between the two nations.
The act proposes several key measures to support India’s defense capabilities and align U.S.-India cooperation more closely with existing U.S. allies. It establishes a policy of supporting India’s territorial integrity, providing security assistance, and cooperating in various fields including defense, space, technology, medicine, and economics. Notably, the act offers India a limited exemption from CAATSA sanctions for purchasing Russian military equipment, acknowledging India’s historical reliance on Russian arms.
The legislation aims to expedite defense sales to India, treating it on par with major U.S. allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members in terms of technology transfers. It also authorizes the Secretary of State to formalize increased military cooperation through a memorandum of understanding and expands international military education and training programs with India.
To further support India’s defense capabilities, the act proposes expediting the transfer of excess defense articles to India for two years, granting it the same status as other U.S. allies. Additionally, it requires a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of force against India, including through terrorism and proxy groups, and introduces potential sanctions on Pakistan if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.
The U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act reflects a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, recognizing India’s crucial role in maintaining regional stability, and aims to solidify the partnership between the two democracies and create a more robust alliance to address shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
