Congressmen Propose Permanent Forum For US-India Ties

WASHINGTON, DC-A bipartisan group of four US lawmakers has introduced legislation to establish a formal parliamentary dialogue between the United States and India, proposing a permanent mechanism for congressional engagement on trade, defense, emerging technologies and other issues shaping ties between the two democracies.

The United States-India Interparliamentary Group Act was introduced by Republican Congressman James Gallagher of California, along with Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga, Democratic Congressman Mike Thompson and Democratic Congressman Shri Thanedar.

Announced on October 19, the legislation seeks to establish a formal framework for sustained engagement between the US Congress and India’s Parliament.

Under the proposed legislation, the US Secretary of State, in consultation with Congress, would be required to seek negotiations with the Indian government within 180 days of the law’s enactment to reach a written agreement establishing the group.

The proposed American delegation would comprise no more than 12 members of Congress, equally divided between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Appointments would be distributed equally between the majority and minority leadership of both chambers, ensuring representation from both political parties.

At least one member from each of the four groups of three lawmakers would be required to serve on the relevant foreign affairs or foreign relations committee.

The chairpersonship and vice-chairpersonship would alternate between the House and Senate delegations every two years, coinciding with the beginning of each new Congress.

The proposed group would meet jointly at least once a year with representatives of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to discuss issues affecting bilateral relations.

The bill also authorizes $100,000 annually for the American group’s expenses, subject to congressional appropriations, with the funds divided equally between the House and Senate.

Gallagher said the initiative would give Congress a more structured role in advancing relations with India. He said the forum would strengthen cooperation in agriculture, particularly California wine and walnuts, as well as technology, defense and trade.

Huizenga, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, described the relationship as central to the future of the Indo-Pacific.

Thompson said the proposed forum could help address bilateral issues while expanding opportunities for American businesses.

The legislation would also require the American delegation to submit an annual report detailing its expenditures to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. (IANS)