The United States has reportedly approved a bipartisan legislative move to bolster defence ties with India and bring it on par with North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies, with regard to sale of defence equipment and transfer of technology. US lawmakers also voted to increase restrictions on military aid to Pakistan, The Times of India reported. The House of Representatives were voting for an amendment in the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)-2017.

Congressman George Holding while addressing the House said, “...Now is the time to build on recent successes and propel the US-India strategic partnership forward.” The amendment states, “The secretary of defence and secretary of state shall jointly, on an annual basis, conduct an assessment of the extent to which India possesses strategic operational capabilities to support military operations of mutual interest between the US and India.”

Lawmakers have reportedly sought to block $450 million in aid to Pakistan unless “certain conditions are met”.