Oklahoma Senate Bill SR30

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22

Caption

Resolution; urging for recovery of KIA solider in the Republic of India.

Impact

SR30 prompts the Oklahoma state government to hold the Indian government accountable for its obligations under international humanitarian law, urging a cessation of restrictions that interfere with Missing in Action (MIA) recovery operations. By demanding a public apology for past moratoriums imposed on these recovery efforts and potentially sanctioning India through arms sales and trade restrictions, the resolution seeks to amplify pressure on the Indian government to fulfill its commitments to the United States.

Summary

Senate Resolution 30 (SR30) asserts the commitment of the United States and the Republic of India to fallen service members, particularly focusing on American servicemen and servicewomen whose remains remain unrecovered in India. The resolution emphasizes the legal and moral obligation to recover these remains and expresses the discontent of the State of Oklahoma regarding India's lack of cooperation with the United States' efforts in this regard. Approximately 400 American servicemen from World War II are estimated to remain unaccounted for in India, primarily within Arunachal Pradesh, which complicates recovery efforts.

Contention

The resolution highlights a significant point of contention: the dissatisfaction with the U.S. government's response, both current and previous administrations, in failing to apply adequate pressure on India for MIA recovery. Critics may argue that using sanctions as a lever against a key defense partner like India could strain bilateral relations. Proponents of SR30, on the other hand, maintain that it is crucial to honor the sacrifices of servicemen and provide their families the closure they deserve, and that the U.S. should take a firmer stance to ensure compliance from India.