North Cook News

WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joined with Congressmen Ro Khanna (D-CA), Andy Barr (R-KY), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Mike Waltz (R-FL) in introducing bipartisan legislation that will allow weapon sales to India from the United States to be fast-tracked, a move that will deepen the U.S.-India defense partnership. Companion legislation has also been introduced by Senators Mark Warner (D-VA) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the Senate.

Under the Arms Export Controls Act, the review and sales process for weapons to American partners and allies is streamlined and accelerated. By adding India to this list, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) will not only be approved faster, but they will also be required to clear the same threshold for oversight and accountability as all other American allies. This will ensure India has access to the weapons it needs to defend itself and further U.S.-India security goals 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,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “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.”

“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 on June 26,”  Congressman Waltz said. “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.” 

"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,” Congressman Barr said. “As the world’s largest democracies, strengthening our global partnership is paramount in addressing the challenges on June 26  and securing a safer future for all.

Original source can be found here.