The Rubio bill proposes to ban security assistance to Pakistan if Islamabad is found to be supporting terrorism against India.
US Republican Senator Marco Rubio on Friday introduced a bill aimed at strengthening strategic, diplomatic, economic and military ties with India, primarily to counter Chinese influence.
The bill also seeks a report to Parliament on Pakistan’s use of force against India, including through terrorism and proxy organisations.
It has proposed banning security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to be supporting terrorism against India.
The bill proposes to treat India on the same status as US and NATO allies such as Japan, Israel and South Korea when it comes to technology transfer.
Pakistan was declared a major non-NATO ally in 2004 under the administration of Republican President George W. Bush.
Rubio’s bill also proposes allowing India to buy military equipment from Russia for use by the Indian military without incurring U.S. sanctions.
Additionally, the bill seeks to expedite the transportation of surplus defence supplies to India for a period of two years and expand international military education and training cooperation with the Government of India.
The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with India to enhance military cooperation.
