Senator Marco Rubio’s bill emphasizes strengthening the US-India partnership to counter Chinese influence.
- Bill is proposing to cut off security assistance to Pakistan.
- It seeks a report on Pakistan’s use of “offensive force.”
- “India should be treated the same as any US ally.”
WASHINGTON: US Republican Senator Marco Rubio on Friday introduced a bill that seeks to suspend security assistance to Pakistan citing threats posed by the country to India.
The U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act requires a report on Pakistan’s “use of offensive force against India through terrorist or proxy organizations.”
The proposed bill also aims to “bar Pakistan from receiving assistance if it is found to have supported terrorism against India.”
Senator Rubio also proposed strengthening US-India cooperation to counter Chinese influence, saying it is essential to strengthen strategic diplomatic, economic and military ties with India.
The bill aims to assist India in responding to growing threats to its territorial integrity and provide necessary security assistance.
In his bill, Senator Rubio proposes to treat India on the same status as US allies such as Japan, Israel and South Korea, as well as other NATO allies, with regard to technology transfer.
He has also proposed a limited exemption for India from sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries with Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Notably, CAATSA, a strict US law, empowers the US government to impose sanctions against countries that buy major defense equipment from Russia.
If approved, the bill would allow India to purchase equipment currently used by the Indian military from Russia without incurring US sanctions.
Additionally, the bill seeks to “instill in Congress the recognition that expedited consideration of letters of offer for the sale of defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to India is in the interest of the United States and that peace and stability are in the interest of India having the capabilities necessary to deter threats.”
It also aims to give the Secretary of State the authority to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to strengthen military cooperation.
The bill also seeks to expedite delivery of surplus defence supplies to India for two years, give India the same status as other allies and expand international military education and training cooperation with India.
