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

A Congressional resolution aiming to bring India on a par with America’s NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) allies in terms of Defence trade and technology transfer was introduced recently.
The US-India Defense Technology and Partnership Act (HR 4825) proposes to amends the Arms Export Control Action. It was introduced by Congressman George Holding, Co-Chair of the House India Caucus.
The resolution seeks to formalise (i) India’s status as a major partner of equal status as US’s NATO allies and closest partners and (ii) also elevate India’s status in export of defence articles from the US.
Benefits to India

• Cement the India-US relations and lay a foundation for future cooperation and growth.
• Shorten the time required for the notification of sale or export of defence articles from the United States to India.
• Encourage more joint contingency planning and require the US government review and assess India’s ability to execute military operations of mutual interest.

US-India Defence Relations
Defence trade between the US and India is one of the strongest areas of the bilateral economic relationship. Over the past 10 years it has risen from $300 million to over $14 billion.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2016