US lawmaker pushes arms sale review for India at Capitol Hill briefing

New Delhi: Concerns over alleged transnational repression by foreign governments were raised at a congressional briefing in Washington, where a US lawmaker and several national security experts called for closer scrutiny of America’s defence ties with India. The speakers argued that such activities have broader implications for US national security, civil liberties and the safety of diaspora communities.

Jim McGovern, co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, urged Congress to pass the bipartisan and bicameral Transnational Repression Policy Act. He also called on the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, to review India’s eligibility for US arms sales under the Arms Export Control Act.

The July 14 briefing, titled India’s Transnational Repression: Implications for US National Security, was organized by Equitas Forum USA and several advocacy groups, with support from the office of Congresswoman Summer Lee. Former officials, national security experts and civil society representatives attended the event.

Former Canadian security intelligence service officer Daniel Stanton said governments increasingly rely on organized criminal networks to intimidate critics living abroad. He said threats against family members, criminal proxies and targeted violence should be recognised as part of a broader pattern of transnational repression rather than isolated incidents.

PTI reported that McGovern urged Rubio to review India’s eligibility for US arms sales while asking Congress to advance the Transnational Repression Policy Act. The news agency also reported that national security experts participating in the Capitol Hill briefing backed calls for a review of defence sales to India over the allegations.

Former US commission on international religious freedom chair Stephen Schneck said the commission’s 2026 annual report had, for the seventh consecutive year, recommended designating India as a country of particular concern. India has rejected the recommendation, saying the report misrepresents facts and promotes a motivated narrative.

Allison McManus, managing director of national security and international policy at the centre for American progress, said strategic partnerships should not prevent governments from facing consequences for their actions. Katie LaRoque, director for policy and advocacy and mark palmer distinguished fellow at freedom house, called for transnational repression to be formally defined under US law.

Harjot Singh of the Sikh Coalition said transnational repression threatens not only targeted communities but also US sovereignty and fundamental civil liberties. Lavleen Kaur Madahar of SALDEF said such actions create fear that discourages people from speaking freely and participating in civic life.

Ria Chakrabarty of Hindus for Human Rights said any foreign government that threatens, surveils or targets people living in the United States poses a challenge to the country’s security and democratic values. Sarita Pandey of Equitas Forum USA said no government, regardless of its strategic importance or geopolitical influence, should be allowed to intimidate people living in the US without consequences.