The Loubiotei “US-India Defense Cooperation Act” Countering the Threat of the CCP

US Senator Marco Rubio announced on Thursday the introduction of the US-India Defense Cooperation Act, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation between the United States and India in the face of an increasingly assertive Chinese Communist Party.

Rubio stated in a released statement that “the Chinese Communist Party continues to aggressively expand its influence in the Indo-Pacific region, while attempting to obstruct the sovereignty and autonomy of our regional partners.”

He highlighted that the US-India partnership is crucial in countering the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, affirming the United States’ ongoing support for combating these malign strategies as India and other countries in the region are not alone in this effort.

According to the proposed legislation, the United States will issue a policy statement expressing support for India in responding to escalating threats to its territorial integrity, providing necessary security assistance, and collaborating with India in defense, civil space, technology, pharmaceuticals, and economic investments.

The bill also includes provisions for limited waivers under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for India’s procurement of Russian military equipment, as well as a “Sense of Congress” clause expediting considerations for defense articles, defense services, design and construction services, and major defense equipment sales to India that align with US interests and enhance India’s ability to counter threats for peace and stability.

Additionally, the legislation aims to grant India equivalent status in terms of technology transfers with Japan, South Korea, and NATO allies, authorizing the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to enhance military cooperation and accelerate the provision of Excess Defense Articles (EDA) to India within two years, along with expanding international military education and training cooperation with New Delhi.

As per the US legislative process, introducing a bill is just the first step, as it must pass through the relevant committees and attain approval from both the Senate and the House of Representatives in identical text versions before being sent to the President for signing into law.

Prime Minister Modi of India conducted a historic visit to the United States in June last year, during which Rubio emphasized the overlapping economic and security interests of both countries, particularly in light of increasing hostilities from the Chinese Communist Party in the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean.

“We find ourselves at a critical juncture in global history, where the United States and India should further strengthen this vital partnership and continue to develop upon our shared democratic values and national interests,” Rubio remarked at the time.