For the 63rd year in a row, the U.S. Congress passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This annual act sets funding and priorities for the U.S. military, ensuring they have what they need for their missions. In 2024, the NDAA will focus on top national security priorities, such as competing with China and Russia, and adapting to new technologies like hypersonic weapons and artificial intelligence. It also involves upgrading American vehicles.
A significant aspect of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2024 was the emphasis on enhancing the United States' posture in the Indo-Pacific region. The act authorized $14.7 billion for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, It promoted increased frequency and scale of exercises, freedom of navigation operations, and partner engagements.
Additionally, it set aside $1.3 billion for activities in the Indo-Pacific, exceeding the previous proposed budget by $508.0 million. The act introduces a thorough program to train, advise, and build capacity for Taiwan's military, especially in cybersecurity. It also pushes for a stronger security partnership with Japan, looking into potential changes to U.S. command structures in the country.
The NDAA 2024 ensured that India was appropriately considered for security cooperation benefits. The "Indo-Pacific Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative" highlights the commitment of collaboration with countries including Australia, Japan, and India.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between India and the USA, as part of the broader strategy to compete strategically with the Chinese Communist Party. He stated the importance of bolstering the U.S.-India defense partnership, expanding cooperation in research and development, training, intelligence, counterterrorism, and military contracting.
The congressman added, “I was proud to champion efforts to pass this legislation to support American security commitments including provisions to strengthen our defense partnership with India through expanded opportunities for cooperation in research and development, training, intelligence, counterterrorism, and military contracting.”
Seeing these measures not only as a boon for the security of India but also as a contribution to global security, Krishnamoorthi added, “Strengthening the U.S.-India partnership and ensuring India is properly considered for cooperative defense activities will not only bring greater security to the world’s largest democracy and its oldest, but also to the wider world.”
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