‘US lawmakers want India on par with NATO allies’
Indian media reports say US lawmakers seek a partnership status for India similar to that of America’s allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Indian papers said Friday that US lawmakers’ approval of a defense bill a day earlier will put India at par with NATO allies.
This would mean that Washington could in future treat New Delhi as a closer partner and might sell it more defense equipment and technology.
The passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) could strengthen New Delhi's military muscle in the Asia Pacific region, noted Indian media.
The bill has an amendment which would, on top of greater military exchange, help maintain a special office in the Pentagon dedicated to the US-India Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), according to The Times of India.
"Given the dynamic nature of the Indo-Pacific region and its importance to our own national security and future economic growth, now is the time to build on recent successes and propel the US-India strategic partnership forward," US Congressman George Holding said.
The measure requires the US administration to take "such actions as may be necessary to recognize India's status as a major defense partner of the US," he added.
Last month, New Delhi agreed to allow Washington to use its military bases in exchange for weapons technology to help India narrow the gap with China.
The two sides indicated that their navies will hold talks on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), an area of sensitive military technology and joint tactics that only allies share.
Reports indicate US President Barack Obama will meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Washington next month to discuss security and other issues and that the Indian leader will address both houses of Congress.
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