The House Committee on Foreign Affairs has announced that it will undertake a comprehensive review of U.S. policy towards India, focusing on the expansion of bilateral cooperation between the two nations. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to bolster relations based on shared democratic values and to counter the influence of U.S. adversaries in South and Central Asia.
The committee highlighted that its review will specifically focus on U.S.-India defence relations, an area that has seen significant growth in recent years. This includes security and technology cooperation, as well as opportunities for enhanced military roles, missions, and capabilities between the two countries. The committee will also evaluate counterterrorism efforts within the context of their growing collaboration.
Beyond defence, the committee plans to examine the economic ties between the U.S. and India, which have been expanding, particularly in sectors such as technology, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. The committee is interested in identifying ways to strengthen these economic relations further, recognizing India’s growing influence as an economic and technological powerhouse.
Additionally, there will be an emphasis on India’s increasing participation in international frameworks, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), and the implications of India’s rapidly expanding energy demands. These aspects are crucial in understanding the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific region and the importance of U.S.-India strategic collaboration.
In line with its broader focus on global security, the committee will also continue to prioritize efforts to address China’s influence. China remains a top concern for U.S. policymakers, and the committee plans to scrutinize China’s international agreements and violations, particularly in human rights issues, trade obligations, and its aggressive stance in various geopolitical regions. The committee aims to hold China accountable for actions such as the genocide of the Uyghurs, Hong Kong’s autonomy violations, and its non-compliance with international trade and cyber agreements.
After China, the committee’s second priority is examining the State Department’s participation in multilateral forums, such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework and the Quad. The committee will closely monitor any discussions surrounding trade agreements in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to safeguard U.S. interests while promoting regional stability.
Other major issues on the committee’s agenda include Taiwan, Europe, Russia’s war against Ukraine, Middle East and North Africa, Israel, Iran, Africa, and Afghanistan. These are all significant regions where the U.S. has a vested interest in maintaining stability and safeguarding its geopolitical interests.
Overall, the House Committee on Foreign Affairs will be closely monitoring the dynamic relationship between the U.S. and India, with particular focus on defence, security cooperation, and economic relations, while addressing the broader strategic challenges posed by countries like China. This review underscores the U.S.’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with India, as both countries navigate a rapidly shifting global order.
