US-India Defense Cooperation Act: Marco Rubio’s Groundbreaking Proposal

US Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill titled the U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act, aiming to elevate India's status to that of US allies like Japan and NATO, facilitate technology transfers, support India's territorial integrity, and bar Pakistan from receiving aid if involved in terrorism against India.

US Senator Marco Rubio has proposed a landmark bill named the U.S.-India Defense Cooperation Act, aimed at enhancing defense and strategic ties between the United States and India. The bill seeks to treat India on par with key US allies such as Japan, Israel, and NATO nations when it comes to technology transfers and defense collaborations.

"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 Rubio upon introducing the bill in the Senate.

Despite the legislative gridlock in an election year, the bill underscores the strategic importance of the US-India relationship in countering China's regional influence. It also proposes increased military cooperation, exemptions from CAATSA sanctions for India, and measures to curb Pakistan's support for terrorism against India.

(With inputs from agencies.)