Anti-Pakistan bill lands in the US Senate

WASHINGTON: Republican Senator Marco Rubio has introduced a bill in the US Senate, aiming to halt security assistance to Pakistan for its alleged threats towards India. 

The US-India Defence Cooperation Act requires a report on Pakistan’s “use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups against India”. 

Moreover, the bill is aimed at supporting India in addressing threats to its territorial integrity and seeks to choke security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to sponsor militancy against India. 

Senator Rubio also proposed to strengthen the US-India partnership to counter China’s influence, saying it is essential to enhance the strategic diplomatic, economic, and military relationship with New Delhi. 

Biden will announce Supreme Court reform plans on Monday

Senator Rubio, in his legislation, has proposed to treat India as the same status as US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and other North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) allies regarding technology transfers. 

The bill, if approved, would allow India to purchase equipment from Russia currently used by the Indian military without having to face US sanctions.