US Senator Marco Rubio has introduced a bill in Congress proposing military support for India while aiming to restrict security assistance to Pakistan if it is found to “sponsor terrorism against India.”
The bill proposes barring security assistance to Pakistan based on Islamabad’s actions related to terrorism and proxy groups. It also mandates a Congressional report on Pakistan’s use of force, including any sponsorship of terrorism against India.
The legislation further proposes treating India with the same status as key US allies such as Japan, Israel, South Korea, and NATO members concerning technology transfers. This includes allowing India to purchase military equipment from Russia for its armed forces without facing US sanctions, thereby strengthening India’s defense capabilities.
Pakistan was declared a major non-NATO ally by Republican President George W. Bush’s administration in 2004, a status that has facilitated various forms of military and security assistance. However, Rubio’s bill aims to re-evaluate this relationship in light of Pakistan’s alleged support for terrorism.