In a significant move aimed at enhancing technology collaboration between the United States and India, two influential members of the US House of Representatives, Congressman Gregory Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Congressman Andy Barr, vice-chair of the House India Caucus, introduced the “Technology Exports to India Act” on September 8. This legislation seeks to remove constraints on the export of high-performance computers and related equipment to India, thereby strengthening technology ties between the two nations.
As President Joe Biden visited Delhi in conjunction with the G20 Summit, Meeks and Barr issued a joint statement affirming the importance of the Technology Exports to India Act in fostering technology trade and forging connections between American and Indian technology companies. They emphasized that the bill would eliminate restrictions on the sale of US products, such as digital computers and electronic assemblies, to India without requiring a Department of Commerce license. This move is envisioned to enhance bilateral technology cooperation and supply chain resilience for a critical industry.
The legislation acknowledges the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and India and underscores the significance of reducing regulatory obstacles to technological cooperation. It highlights the shared geopolitical and security challenges faced by both countries and aims to facilitate greater technological and defense cooperation with India.
The bill further underscores the designation of India as a US Major Defense Partner, which provides India access to a broad spectrum of military and dual-use items regulated by the Department of Commerce. While India enjoys a general policy of approval for licenses for civil or military end uses, certain specifications related to high-performance computers necessitate authorization from the US Government.
Crucially, the bill addresses the fact that the US President currently lacks the authority to remove or exclude India from the Computer Tier 3 eligible country list. Passage of this legislation by Congress would pave the way for this important change, ultimately strengthening the bilateral relationship between the United States and India.
This development highlights the commitment of both nations to deepen their technological cooperation and underscores the pivotal role technology plays in their strategic partnership.
PTI
