US Congress Passes Legislation Providing For India’s Recognition As Major Defence Partner

A legislation providing for recognition of India as a major defence partner of the US cleared the Congress on Thursday and now goes to the White House for President Barack Obama's approval. Last week, the House of Representatives had approved the legislation, which is essentially the defence budget.

The final passage in the Senate took place the day Defence Secretary Ashton Carter was in Delhi to discuss with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar the implication of the designation for India-US cooperation in defence.

India’s recognition as a major defence partner will ease the process of equipment procurement and technology transfer.

Provisions like the one on major defence partner status for India are usually inserted into budget bills by members of the Congress advocating them as they would have the effect of laws and can be adopted faster without having to go through the full legislative process that includes lengthy reviews and debates.

With inputs from IANS