Washington, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A bipartisan group of four US lawmakers has introduced legislation to establish a formal parliamentary dialogue mechanism between the United States and India, seeking to strengthen congressional engagement on trade, defence, technology and other strategic priorities.
The proposed United States-India Interparliamentary Group Act was introduced by Republican Congressman James Gallagher of California, along with Republican Bill Huizenga and Democrats Mike Thompson and Shri Thanedar.
Under the bill, the US Secretary of State, in consultation with Congress, would have to seek negotiations with the Indian government within 180 days of the legislation’s enactment to establish a written agreement for the proposed dialogue.
The American delegation would comprise up to 12 members of Congress, divided equally between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Seats would be distributed equally between the majority and minority leadership in both chambers, ensuring bipartisan representation. At least one member from each three-member group would have to serve on the relevant foreign affairs committee.
The chairperson and vice-chairperson positions would alternate between the House and Senate delegations every two years. The group would meet jointly with representatives of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha at least once a year to discuss bilateral issues.
The legislation also proposes authorising $100,000 annually for the group’s expenses, subject to congressional appropriations, with the amount divided equally between the House and Senate. An annual expenditure report would be submitted to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Gallagher said the initiative would give Congress a more structured role in advancing ties with India, including cooperation in agriculture, technology, defence and trade.
Huizenga, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, described the partnership as central to the future of the Indo-Pacific.
Thompson said the forum could help resolve bilateral issues, expand US market access in India and benefit California agriculture. Thanedar called the two countries natural partners with shared democratic values and economic and strategic interests.
The proposal comes amid continuing congressional efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two countries across defence, trade, energy, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
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