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US Senator Marco Rubio Introduces Bill to Strengthen US-India Defense Ties and Counter China’s Influence
US Senator Marco Rubio introduces a bill to enhance US-India defense cooperation and counter China’s influence. The bill also addresses alleged threats from Pakistan.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-27
US Senator Marco Rubio Introduces Bill to Strengthen US-India Defense Ties and Counter China’s Influence

Influential US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill in Congress on Friday, pledging to support India in combating China’s growing influence and addressing alleged threats from Pakistan. The proposed US-India Defence Cooperation Act strongly supports "technology transfers" to India and urges the administration to treat India with the same status as US allies like Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members.

 

Senator Rubio, a Republican from Florida, has been a prominent figure in US politics since 2011. He delivered the Republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address in 2013 and ran for president in 2015, winning several primaries before exiting the race in 2016.

 

The bill requires the US administration to submit a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India. It proposes barring Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India. This legislation, if enacted, could significantly impact Pakistan, especially as Islamabad and Washington seek to strengthen their bilateral relationship.

 

Providing India with advanced weapons typically reserved for close US allies and NATO members could undermine Pakistan’s defense capabilities, constraining its ability to respond to Indian aggression 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 vital to 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 set a policy of supporting India’s response to threats to its territorial integrity, providing necessary security assistance, and cooperating in defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.

 

Additionally, the bill suggests providing India a limited exemption from CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions, which are aimed at countering Russia’s influence. This 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 for defense articles, services, and equipment sales to India aligns with US interests. It emphasizes the importance of India having the capabilities needed to deter threats and authorizes the Secretary of State 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.

 

In summary, the US-India Defence Cooperation Act underscores the strategic importance of the US-India relationship in countering China’s influence and addressing regional security threats, while potentially reshaping the dynamics of US-Pakistan relations.
Tagged:

DefenseCooperation

USIndiaRelations

MarcoRubio

ChinaInfluence
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