WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY-6), Mike Waltz (R-FL-6), Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-8), and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33) introduced bipartisan legislation to fast-track U.S. weapon sales to India. U.S. Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.
This legislation would place India on equal footing with other U.S. partners and allies by streamlining and accelerating the review and sales process for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and exports under the Arms Export Control Act. It subjects Indian FMS to the same threshold for oversight and accountability as other key U.S. partners and allies, ensuring that India has streamlined access to the high-end capabilities necessary to defend itself. By deepening the U.S.-India defense partnership, this legislation will buttress India’s role as a key provider of security in Asia.
"By removing red tape around military sales, we are recognizing India as the key partner it is. Together, the United States and India will continue to cooperate and safeguard our shared national security interests and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Barr. “As the world’s largest democracies, strengthening our global partnership is paramount in addressing the challenges of today and securing a safer future for all."
“The United States and India are bonded by our shared national security interests and democratic values which is why it’s so important we continue strengthen our global partnership to address the threats of today,” said Waltz. “As our militaries continue to conduct joint military exercises and coordinate through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, streamlining military sales will help our two nations bolster security in the Indo-Pacific region.”
“Strengthening the U.S.-India strategic partnership is vital to the prosperity and security of not only both nations, but also other democracies around the world,” said Krishnamoorthi. “That is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to expand security cooperation between the United States and India by adding India to the list of partners included in the Arms Export Control Act. On the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party, where I serve as the Ranking Member, we passed this legislative recommendation with overwhelming bipartisan support. Now we must pass this bipartisan measure into law.”