NEWS DESK GULISTAN NEWS TV DESK
Washington, Jan 30: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs, one of the most powerful panels in the US Congress, is set to review US policy towards India, focusing on the expansion of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defense, economic, and strategic sectors.
India has been placed 11th on the committee’s priority list for the current Congress, reflecting its growing significance in US foreign policy, especially in the backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics, including China’s increasing assertiveness, Indo-Pacific security concerns, and evolving trade policies.
Key Focus Areas of the Review
Strengthening Defense & Security Cooperation
• The Indo-US defense relationship has grown significantly in recent years, with India being designated a Major Defense Partner (MDP) by the US.
• The committee will assess the progress of ongoing military collaborations, including joint exercises such as Malabar, Yudh Abhyas, and Tiger Triumph.
• Discussions will likely cover defense technology transfers, co-production agreements, and arms trade, including India’s procurement of advanced US military equipment like MQ-9B drones, Apache helicopters, and missile defense systems.
• The Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), aimed at enhancing technology sharing and co-development, is expected to be a key agenda item.
Indo-Pacific Strategy & Countering China
• With China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific, the US sees India as a critical strategic partner.
• The committee is expected to discuss India’s role in the QUAD alliance (India, US, Japan, Australia) and its potential involvement in AUKUS (Australia, UK, US security pact).
• Enhancing maritime security, intelligence sharing, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean region will be a key focus.
Trade, Economy & Technology Partnerships
• The review will focus on strengthening economic ties, particularly in supply chain resilience, semiconductor collaboration, and digital trade.
• India’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and its emerging role in global tech industries will be assessed.
• The US is expected to push for greater market access for American businesses in India while addressing concerns related to trade barriers and tariffs.
Human Rights & Democratic Concerns
• While India and the US share democratic values, some lawmakers may raise concerns over human rights, press freedom, and religious rights in India.
• Previous discussions in the US Congress have touched upon minority rights, freedom of speech, and political developments in India.
• The Biden administration has largely focused on strengthening strategic ties, but advocacy groups may push for human rights discussions in parallel with defense and trade talks.
India’s Growing Strategic Importance in US Policy
Despite being ranked 11th on the priority list, India remains a key partner for the US in global affairs, particularly in:
Regional security and stability in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Advanced technology and defense collaborations.
Economic cooperation and trade diversification.
Strategic counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
What’s Next?
The policy review is expected to reinforce the growing ties between India and the US, paving the way for new defense agreements, trade initiatives, and diplomatic engagements.
With the global political landscape rapidly evolving, the US Congress is likely to further bolster its relationship with New Delhi, recognizing India as a key pillar in its long-term foreign policy strategy.