Amending the earlier Arms Export Control Act, the U.S. has introduced a new legislation – U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act to formalize India’s status for the purpose of congressional notifications as a major partner of equal status as America’s treaty allies and closest partners, reports Defense World.
U.S.-India Business Council said that for the United States, the legislation enables:
- government to designate an official to focus on U.S.-India defense cooperation
- transfer of defense technology
- establishment of a special office in the Pentagon dedicated exclusively to the U.S.-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative
- a focus on enhancing India’s operational capabilities, and promote co-production/co-development opportunities
For India, it encourages the government to authorize combined military planning with the United States for missions of mutual interest such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter piracy, and maritime domain awareness.
Congressman George Holding (R-NC), Co-Chair of the House, India Caucus, who introduced the Act said, “The U.S.-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act will build upon the recent progress made to strengthen our strategic partnership by facilitating closer collaboration, promoting greater defense trade, and by elevating India’s status.
Defense trade between our countries is one of the strongest areas of the bilateral economic relationship and has risen from some $300 million to over $14 billion over the last 10 years.”
“This bill not only puts India on par with other NATO allies in terms of the notification period, it sends a clear signal to Washington and Delhi that defense cooperation should be a top priority for both governments,” said Mukesh Aghi, President of U.S. India Business Council.
