The U.S. Senate has passed a legislative provision that brings India at par with America’s NATO allies and countries like Israel and South Korea for increasing defence cooperation. The National Defense Authorisation Act or NDAA for the fiscal year 2020, that contained such a proposal was passed by the U.S. Senate last week. Introduced by Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator John Cornyn with the support of Senate India Caucus Co-Chair Senator Mark Warner, the amendment provides for increased U.S.-India defence cooperation in the Indian Ocean in the areas of humanitarian assistance, counterterrorism, counter-piracy and maritime security. The bill would be signed into law after both the chambers of the U.S. Congress — the House of Representatives and the Senate — passes it. In a statement, the Hindu American Foundation commended Senators Cornyn and Warner for their efforts in advancing the U.S.-India strategic partnership.

Source: The Hindu July 02, 2019 14:04 UTC