US Senator Marco Rubio tables bill to militarily support India against China and Pakistan
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (C) swears in the newly elected members of the House of Representatives during the opening of the 115th US Congress on January 3, 2017. PHOTO: AFP
US Republican Senator Marco Rubio introduced a bill on Friday aimed at bolstering Washington's strategic, diplomatic, economic, and military ties with India, primarily to counter the influence of China.
The bill also calls for requiring a Congressional report on Pakistan’s use of force, including terrorism and proxy groups, against India.
It proposes barring security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to sponsor terrorism against India.
The legislation proposes to treat India with the same status as US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers.
Pakistan was declared a major non-NATO ally under Republican President George W Bush's administration in 2004.
Rubio's bill also proposes allowing India to purchase military equipment from Russia for use by New Delhi's armed forces without facing US sanctions.
Furthermore, the bill seeks to expedite excess defence articles to India for two years and to expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.
It authorises the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation.