Washington D.C.: Members of the United States House of Representatives, from both the Republican and Democratic parties, underscored the strategic importance of the US-India partnership during a hearing on South and Central Asia held on Wednesday. The hearing, conducted by the subcommittee on South and Central Asia, focused on the multifaceted dimensions of India-US relations, including trade, defense cooperation, technology collaboration, and broader geopolitical challenges.

During the proceedings, representatives questioned a panel of experts about the current state and future trajectory of the bilateral relationship. Topics ranged from India’s growing engagement with Russia to its competition with China, as well as the broader implications for US foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.

Shared Recognition of Strategic Importance

Across party lines, lawmakers agreed that the US-India relationship is a defining partnership of the 21st century. Senior Republican Congressman Bill Huizenga, who chairs the subcommittee, described the bilateral relationship as critical not only for the two nations but for the stability of the broader Indo-Pacific region. “If America wants a free Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and a world where democracy, not authoritarianism, sets the rules, then our partnership with India is critical,” Huizenga stated.

Democratic Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, the ranking member of her party on the subcommittee, echoed the sentiment. She emphasized that India’s cooperation is pivotal for US leadership in emerging areas such as defense, climate, energy, artificial intelligence, space, and other cutting-edge technologies. “The US relationship with India will be defining for both countries in how they position themselves in the 21st-century world order,” she noted.

Countering China and Strengthening Regional Security

Several lawmakers highlighted the strategic dimension of India-US ties in the context of China’s rising influence. Congressman Huizenga pointed to close naval cooperation between the two countries in the Indian Ocean as a key measure to secure trade routes and maintain regional stability. Republican Congressman Jefferson Shreve discussed the potential for both nations to reduce dependency on China in critical sectors such as pharmaceutical supply chains, emphasizing the economic as well as strategic implications.

Congressman James Moylan, another Republican member, underscored India’s role within the Quad framework, noting that New Delhi’s position strengthens the security architecture of the Indo-Pacific and ensures a rules-based order in the region.

Partisan Debate on US Policy Toward India

While the strategic importance of India-US ties received broad agreement, the hearing also highlighted partisan criticism of past US policies under the Trump administration. Democratic representatives, in particular, expressed concern over measures such as the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods and restrictions on H-1B visa holders, arguing that these policies strained bilateral relations.

“Unless Donald Trump changes course, he will be the American President who lost India. Or more accurately, he will be the President who chased India away,” Kamlager-Dove said. She criticized the administration’s emphasis on personal political objectives, including Trump’s reported desire to secure a Nobel Peace Prize, which she argued contributed to challenges in maintaining a stable US-India partnership.

During the hearing, a staff member of Kamlager-Dove displayed a photograph of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin with the caption “Trump’s failed foreign policy.” This display drew attention from both Republican and Democratic members, with lawmakers expressing concern about India’s engagement with Russia, and the need for US policy to account for such relationships while sustaining strategic ties.

Immigration and People-to-People Ties

Several Democratic members also highlighted concerns regarding immigration policy and its impact on US-India relations. Indian-American representative Pramila Jayapal spoke about restrictions on H-1B visas and how such policies threaten people-to-people ties between the countries. Drawing from her own experience as a former H-1B visa holder, Jayapal stressed that limiting legal immigration undermines long-standing educational and professional exchanges and may exacerbate instances of anti-Indian sentiment in the US.

Looking Ahead

Despite differences over past administration policies, lawmakers emphasized the bipartisan consensus on the value of sustaining and strengthening the US-India partnership. Both sides recognized that cooperation across defense, technology, trade, and regional security is essential for addressing global challenges and ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The hearing served as a reminder that India remains a pivotal partner for the United States, both strategically and economically. Lawmakers agreed on the necessity of fostering constructive engagement with New Delhi, promoting collaboration in emerging sectors, and mitigating risks posed by geopolitical adversaries while preserving strong diplomatic and trade ties.

As discussions continue in Washington, it is clear that India-US relations remain a key priority for the US Congress, with bipartisan support for policies that enhance cooperation, counter regional threats, and strengthen shared democratic values in a rapidly evolving global landscape.