Washington, Dec 19 (NationPress) US President Donald Trump has officially enacted the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for the fiscal year 2026. This comprehensive defense legislation notably emphasizes the need for enhanced US military collaboration with India and promotes stronger ties through the Quad as a component of the United States' Indo-Pacific strategy.

The NDAA allocates an impressive $890 billion for national security initiatives. It mandates the US to intensify its partnership with India, particularly through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, aimed at fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific.

In his statement during the signing, Trump articulated that the Act “will empower the Department of War to execute my Peace Through Strength agenda, safeguard the homeland against domestic and international threats, and bolster the defense industrial base,” while enshrining elements of over a dozen executive orders from his administration.

The legislation advocates for expanded bilateral and multilateral military interactions with India, heightened involvement in military drills, increased defense trade, and closer collaboration on humanitarian aid and disaster response. Notably, it highlights maritime security as a critical area for US-India cooperation.

The NDAA also instructs a joint US-India evaluation of nuclear liability regulations under the United States-India Strategic Security Dialogue.

It mandates the Secretary of State to create a regular consultative mechanism with India for assessing the implementation of the 2008 civil nuclear agreement, exploring ways for India to align its domestic nuclear liability regulations with international standards, and developing joint diplomatic strategies regarding civil nuclear cooperation.

The State Department is obliged to report to Congress within 180 days of the enactment and subsequently on an annual basis for five years.

The Act requires US assessments that encompass Russia's military relations with India and Russia's broader military stance impacting the Indo-Pacific and other regions.

In a separate provision, the NDAA authorizes the creation of an Ambassador-at-Large for the Indian Ocean Region within the State Department. This role would oversee US diplomatic initiatives throughout the Indian Ocean countries, focusing on counteracting malign influences from the People’s Republic of China in the area.

Additionally, the NDAA allocates $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative, incorporating provisions to prevent Chinese military enterprises from circumventing US restrictions via third-party nations.

On a broader scale, the NDAA provides for a 3.8 percent salary increase for US service members and allocates funds for housing, healthcare, childcare, and protections for civilian defense employees.

Having been passed annually for over six decades, the NDAA delineates US defense policy and spending priorities. The FY26 legislation officially integrates expanded military, nuclear, and regional engagement with India into the framework of US defense legislation.