This legislation is, in a way, sending out a strong message of the stronger India and U.S. defence and security ties, to those who are responsible for making this bill happen. An anonymous source said that “The National Defense Authorization Act 2017, which is the US military’s budget for next year, contains the section on ties with India, is slated for filing any day now, for voting in the House of Representatives first and then in the Senate. Both chambers of Congress have already approved the final legislation, with all differences reconciled during a legislative process called ‘conference’, and, notwithstanding last minute objections, it is expected to go through in the next few days.” They also added, “The language and provisions used is believed to make India content, as any language higher than this may be tricky and unnecessary as of now.”
The bill, known as, ‘Enhancing defense and security cooperation with India‘, Section 1292 of the NDAA directs the Secretaries of State and Defence to recognise India as a “major defence partner,” which it currently is, and the only country with that designation. It states that “The attempt is to define ‘major defence partner’ designation that had been left a little unclear and vague by the administration.” This will also mean that the future Presidents would be committed to the Act.
