A bill opposing Pakistan-China in US Senate was introduced to counter increasing influence of the alliance.
To counter China’s increasing influence and address perceived threats from Pakistan, US Senator Marco Rubio introduced the US-India Defence Cooperation Act in Congress. This bill calls for robust “technology transfers” to India and proposes that India be treated similarly to US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members.
The bill requires the US administration to report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India. It also suggests prohibiting Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found sponsoring terrorism against India.
If enacted, the bill could significantly affect Pakistan, as it strives to strengthen its relationship with Washington. Supplying India with advanced weapons, usually reserved for close US allies and NATO members, could weaken Pakistan’s defense capabilities and restrict its response to Indian actions in the region.
Although the bill is unlikely to progress in the current Congress, which ends this year, it may be reintroduced in the next Congress, given the bipartisan support for bolstering the India-US relationship.
The bill asserts that the US-India partnership is crucial for countering China’s influence and proposes strengthening Washington’s strategic diplomatic, economic, and military ties with New Delhi. Senator Rubio mentioned that the legislation would establish a US policy to support India in addressing threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to deter adversaries, and collaborate in defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments.
The bill includes a significant provision that offers India a limited exemption from CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions, which target Russian defense and intelligence sectors. This exemption would enable India to buy Russian equipment currently used by its military without incurring US sanctions.
The bill calls for a ‘Sense of Congress’ statement to support the quick processing of certifications for letters of offer to sell defense articles, services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to India, viewing this as consistent with US interests. It emphasizes the importance of India possessing the necessary capabilities to deter threats for peace and stability.
