Duval Times

The U.S.-India partnership is considered crucial in countering influences from Communist China. To enhance this relationship, it is essential to strengthen strategic diplomatic, economic, and military ties with New Delhi.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced the U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act to expand bilateral cooperation as India faces increased aggression from Beijing.

"Communist China continues to aggressively expand its domain in the Indo-Pacific region, all while it seeks to impede the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners. It’s crucial for the U.S. to continue its support in countering these malicious tactics. India, along with other nations in the region, is not alone," stated Senator Rubio.

Specifically, this legislation would:

- Set a Statement of Policy that the U.S. will support India in its response to growing threats to its territorial integrity, provide necessary security assistance to India to deter adversaries, and cooperate with India regarding defense, civil space, technology, medicine, and economic investments;

- Provide a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for purchases of Russian equipment currently used by the Indian military;

- Set a Sense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment to India is consistent with U.S. interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability for India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats;

- Treat India as if it were of the same status as U.S. allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers;

- Authorize the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation;

- Expedite excess defense articles to India for two years and grant India the same status as other allies;

- Expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi;

- Require a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups against India;

- Bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found sponsoring terrorism against India.

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June 2023: Rubio Statement Ahead of Indian Prime Minister Modi’s Address to Joint Session of Congress