US President Donald Trump has enacted the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2026, emphasizing enhanced cooperation with India, particularly through the Quad, to ensure a free Indo-Pacific and address China’s influence. The Act establishes a joint consultative mechanism within the US-India Strategic Security Dialogue to assess nuclear liability rules, aiming to align India’s domestic regulations with international standards. Furthermore, it promotes the strengthening of defence industrial bases among US allies, including India, to enhance military cooperation, interoperability, and response capabilities. This legislative move reflects a strategic commitment to bolstering US-India relations in defense and security partnerships amid rising regional tensions.