June 19, 2018:
On Tuesday, US Senate passed with an overwhelming majority a USD 716 Billion Defence Bill which among the other things seeks to strengthen ties with the America's 'Major Defence Partner' India.
US recognised India as a "Major Defence Partner" in 2016, a designation that allows India to buy more advanced and sensitive technologies from America at par with that of its closest allies and partners, and thus ensures enduring cooperation into the future.
National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2019, passed by an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 85-10, is named in the honour of Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain, who is battling cancer for the past several months.
McCain stated that,"This legislation continues our reform agenda and helps better position the Department of Defence and the joint force to implement the National Defence Strategy by continuing to restore readiness, rebuild capacity and modernise capabilities".
House has already passed the bill. Two different versions of Bill now heads for a conference between Senate and the House.
Once Joint Committee agrees on an identical version, they would have to be voted by House and the Senate again before being sent to the White House for US President Donald Trump's assent.
Senate's version of Bill authorises USD 5.2 billion for Afghanistan Security Forces Fund, USD 350 million in Coalition Support Funds to reimburse certain nations for the support provided to or in connection with US military operations and authorises USD 300 million to train and equip vetted Syrian opposition to counter the ISIS terror group.
Bill expresses the sense of Senate that US should strengthen and enhance its major defence partnership with India.
Source PTI
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