AMN/ WEB DESK
US President Donald Trump has signed the National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) for Financial Year 2026 into law, emphasising deeper US engagement with India and the Quad to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific and address the challenge posed by China. Trump said that the Act will enable the Department of War to carry out his Peace through Strength agenda, protect the homeland from domestic and foreign threats, and strengthen the defence industrial base.
It urges strengthening US defence alliances in the Indo-Pacific, including expanded cooperation with India through the Quad, joint military exercises, defence trade, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance. The law also mandates a security initiative to integrate defence industrial bases among Indo-Pacific partners such as India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and others.
Additionally, it calls for a US-India joint assessment of nuclear liability rules under their 2008 civil nuclear agreement signed in Washington. India is explicitly recognised as a key US ally under the law.