Washington: Two top American lawmakers have moved a legislation in the Senate, seeking key amendment in the country’s Arms Control Export Act to bring India on par with the US’ Nato allies. The lawmakers move will bring India at par with Nato allies - Israel, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea - when it comes to sale of high-tech military items.
The necessary amendment to the US Arms Control Act has been moved by Senators Mark Warner, a Democrat, and John Cornyn, a Republican, which if enacted, will further institutionalise the recent designation of India as a major defence partner of the US. The move by Cornyn and Warner comes after India and the US signed the COMCASA (Communications, Compatibility and Security Agreement) last year. The two countries are also in advance discussion to sign another foundational agreement of the BECA (Basic Exchange Cooperation Agreement).
“It is a significant development,” said Mukesh Aghi, president of US India Strategic and Partnership Forum, an advocacy group, which along with others, has been working on legislative changes to remove barriers to export of major high-tech defence equipment to India that is shared with only a few countries.
