Bill H R 2123

Published: 18th Apr, 2019

Recently, US lawmakers introduced Bill H R 2123 by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Context

Recently, US lawmakers introduced Bill H R 2123 by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

About

According to the US-IndiaStrategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), HR 2123 is meant to prioritize the defense sales to India. The strategic partnership forum stated that the bill would strengthen national security. Additionally, it would help ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State.
The original co-sponsor of the legislation is Congressman Ami Bera. He is the longest serving Indian-American in the US Congress.

Features of the Bill:

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States.
To fulfil the spirit and intent of the NDAA 2017, the US-India Enhanced Cooperation Act, which would amend the Arms Export Control Act to put India on par with NATO allies and Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.
The language seeks unique consideration for trade and technology sharing with India and increased attention and support to advance this relationship in the areas of defence trade and technology sharing.
The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defence and the Department of State.

Significance

If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treat India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.
This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with the US’s security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation.

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