Resolution introduced in US House to bring India on par with NATO allies

Washington, March 23

A Congressional resolution aiming to bring India on a par with America’s NATO allies in terms of trade and technology transfer, besides elevating its status in export of defence articles from the US, has been introduced ahead of Defense Secretary Ashton Carter’s visit to India.

Introduced by Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus, the US-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act (HR 4825) proposes to amends the Arms Export Control Action so as to formalise India’s status for the purpose of congressional notifications as a major partner of equal status as America’s treaty allies and closest partners.

“This legislation will cement the process that has already been made and will lay a foundation for future cooperation and growth,” Holding told the US House of Representatives.

“This legislation will elevate India’s status by shortening the time required for the notification of sale or export of defence articles from the United States to India. It will encourage more joint contingency planning and require the US government review and assess India’s ability to execute military operations of mutual interest,” Holding said.

Welcoming the resolution, introduced ahead of US Defense Secretary Carter’s visit to India early next month, the US India Business Council (USIBC) said it sent an important signal to the Indian defence establishment that today’s political conditions were different from the past. “This Bill not only puts India on a par with other NATO allies  it sends a clear signal that defence cooperation should be a top priority for both governments,” Holding said.

Defence trade between the US and India is one of the strongest areas of the bilateral economic relationship and has risen from $300 million to over $14 billion over the past 10 years, said Mukesh Aghi, USIBC president.  — PTI