As great power rivalries intensify, US lawmakers are turning the spotlight on India’s strategic calculus. A February 17 public hearing by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission will explore how New Delhi’s engagements with China and America recalibrate Indo-Pacific equilibria.
Geopolitical hotspots dominate: contested frontiers fueling military frictions and vital Indian Ocean chokepoints. India’s positioning as a formidable Indo-Pacific force merits deep dives into its defense posture and alliance potential.
Economic interdependencies add layers. The panel will assess trade-investment linkages between the Asian giants, alongside India’s quest for sovereignty in AI, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical ecosystems—linchpins of modern competition.
US initiatives to cement strategic bonds with India, from arms deals to tech collaborations, undergo evaluation. Do these measures adequately shield economic vitality and security frontiers from Chinese pressures?
Hal Brands and Jonathan N. Stivers chair the session, drawing expert input on horizons ahead. India’s evolution from partner to pillar underscores its leverage in counterbalancing Beijing.
Congressional attention reveals priorities: India’s dual relationships could dictate Indo-Pacific’s fate. This hearing promises actionable intelligence, steering US strategy toward enduring stability and advantage.