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U.S. House of Representatives passes NDA Act, 2018 for improving defence ties with India

15.07.2017

The United States House of Representatives has passed National Defence Authorization Act, 2018 for providing defence co-operation with India. The NDDA after its clearing from House of Representatives, further requires to be passed by US Senate and after that, it shall be moved to US President, Donald Trump for his assent for finally becoming law. After NDDA is enacted, Secretaries of State and Defence of US will have 180 days to evolve a strategy to advance defence cooperation between United States and India.

Indian-American Congressman Amit Bera moved said amendment in NDDA- 2018 and it was adopted by a voice vote by House as part of the National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) 2018 and passed by House 344-81. Mr Amit Bera stated that, United States is the world’s oldest democracy and India is the world’s largest democracy and it is important to develop a strategy that, advances defense cooperation between two nations and further says that, he is in-fact grateful that, said amendment is passed and now look forward to Defense Department’s strategy that, addresses critical issues like role of partner and allies, common security challenges, and areas for collaboration in science and technology.

The National Defence Authorization Act (NDDA) is basically a United States federal law for purpose of budget and expenditures of United States Department of Defence and NDAA also includes other provisions apart from Budget allocation. Infact, NDAA of 2017, had included a provision directing US administration to declare India as a major defence partner to enhance military ties and defence trade between two countries. Said initiative will not only boost India-US ties but also encourage the sharing of technology in the field of defence.

With passage of NDDA 2018 with India specific amendment, it will be interesting to see how India –US ties in defense cooperation grows and how much benefit will be reaped by both Nations in varied circumstances and fast changing geo-political scenarios. Indeed, Indian position will become more stronger in South Asian Region and among its neighbours.

Tags : Defence ties US-India Act

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