WASHINGTON: US Republican Senator Marco Rubiointroduced a bill on Friday, aiming to halt security assistance to Pakistan for its alleged threats towards India.
TheUS-India Defence Cooperation Act requires a report on Pakistan's "use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups against India".
The proposed bill also aims to "bar Pakistan from receiving assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India".
Senator Rubio also proposed to strengthen the US-India partnership to counterChina's influence, saying it is essential to enhance thestrategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi.
The bill aims to provide support to India in its response to growingthreats to its territorial integrity and provide necessary security assistance.
Senator Rubio, in his legislation, has proposed to treat India as the same status as US allies such asJapan, Israel, South Korea, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies regarding technology transfers.
He also suggests providinga limited exemption for India fromCountering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions.
It is to be noted that CAATSA — a tough US law — authorises the US administration to impose sanctions on countries that purchase major defence hardware from Russia.
The bill, if approved, would allow India to purchase equipment from Russiacurrently used by the Indian military without having to face US sanctions.
Furthermore, the legislation also seeks to "set asense of Congress that expeditious consideration of certifications of letters of offer to sell defence articles, defence services, design and construction services, and major defence equipment to India is consistent with US interests and it is in the interest of peace and stability India to have the capabilities needed to deter threats".
It also aims to authorise theSecretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation.
The bill also seeks to expediteexcess defence articles to India for two years and grant India the same status as other allies and expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi.