US Lawmakers Stress India As ‘Defining Partner Of The 21st Century’ Against China

US lawmakers emphasised India’s significance as a central partner in ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. Congressman Bill Huizenga, chairing a House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, described the US–India relationship as ‘no longer just important. It is a defining relationship of the 21st century’.

He added that countering Chinese aggression requires strengthened coordination across military, economic, and technological domains.

Experts warned that China’s expanding maritime presence and border coercion threaten regional stability. India has resisted such pressure effectively, with measures ranging from border defence to restricting Chinese investments, illustrating its role as a key strategic partner for the United States.

Witness Jeff Smith noted India’s decisive action in banning TikTok and imposing investment restrictions as examples of its firm stance.

Testifying before Congress, experts highlighted India’s contributions across multiple domains, including maritime deterrence, intelligence sharing, and emerging technologies. Joint operations in the Indian Ocean, patrols in the South China Sea, and Himalayan mountain warfare exercises exemplify the depth of cooperation.

Dhruva Jaishankar from ORF America observed that shared concerns about China’s rise and economic opportunities have strengthened the bilateral relationship.

Trade and Diplomatic Challenges

Lawmakers expressed concern over US trade measures that could destabilise strategic trust. Ranking Member Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticised tariffs that she claimed risked driving India closer to adversaries. She emphasised that trade policy must align with broader strategic goals.

Observers also noted India’s cautious stance regarding US engagement with Pakistan’s military leadership, citing historical challenges with cross-border terrorism.

All witnesses and legislators agreed that India’s role remains critical in countering China and maintaining regional stability. Experts, including Sameer Lalwani of the German Marshall Fund, highlighted India’s capacity to shoulder security responsibilities, complicate Chinese military planning, and provide industrial support during crises.

Expanded collaboration on defence, AI, and trade corridors could see bilateral trade reach $500 billion by 2030.

US–India defence ties have strengthened over the past decade, backed by foundational agreements and Quad cooperation with Japan and Australia. Both nations view each other as pivotal in balancing China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific, with bilateral trade exceeding $200 billion annually.

Analysts project that security, technology, and economic cooperation will continue to deepen in 2026 and beyond. This will further consolidate India’s role as a key 21st-century partner.

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