The United States Senate has introduced a bill that seeks to cut off aid to Pakistan if it takes action against India. Titled the “US-India Defense Cooperation Act,” the bill was tabled by Republican Senator Marco Rubio.
The proposed legislation emphasizes strengthening defense ties with New Delhi, granting India a status similar to U.S. allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members regarding technology transfers and security assistance.
The proposed bill also aims to “bar Pakistan from receiving assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India”.
Senator Rubio urged the expedited transfer of excess defense articles to India for two years, the granting of ally status to India, and the expansion of International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi. Additionally, the bill proposes a limited exemption for India from CAATSA sanctions for its purchases of Russian military equipment.
In recent years, Western powers have been cultivating stronger relations with New Delhi as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence across the Asia-Pacific region.