US lawmakers propose permanent India-US parliamentary dialogue group

A bipartisan group of four U.S. lawmakers has introduced the United States-India Interparliamentary Group Act. The legislation aims to establish a formal, permanent mechanism for parliamentary dialogue between the United States and India.

Introduced by Republican Congressman James Gallagher, Republican Bill Huizenga, Democrat Mike Thompson, and Democrat Shri Thanedar, the bill seeks to strengthen congressional engagement regarding trade, defense, emerging technologies, and other strategic priorities. Under the proposal, the U.S. Secretary of State would be required to negotiate a written agreement with the Indian government within 180 days of the law's enactment.

The proposed American delegation would consist of up to 12 members of Congress, split equally between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with representation from both majority and minority leadership. The group would meet annually with representatives from India's Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The bill also authorizes $100,000 in annual funding for the group's expenses.