Washington is gearing up for a pivotal public hearing that could reshape perceptions of power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, an influential advisory panel to Congress, has announced a session on February 17 to dissect India’s relationships with both China and the United States.
This hearing comes at a critical juncture, as tensions simmer along contested borders and maritime routes. Experts will delve into geopolitical flashpoints, including border disputes that have repeatedly strained India-China ties. They’ll also examine India’s strategic role in securing sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, a vital artery for global trade.
Beyond military matters, the discussion will spotlight economic interconnections. Trade flows, investment patterns, and India’s push for self-reliance in cutting-edge sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals will be under the microscope. These industries are battlegrounds in the broader US-China rivalry, with supply chains increasingly weaponized.
The commission aims to evaluate how America’s deepening partnership with India bolsters national security and economic interests. Recent advancements in defense collaboration and technology sharing underscore India’s emergence as a counterweight to Chinese expansionism. Policymakers view New Delhi’s capabilities as essential for regional stability.
Chaired by Commissioners Hal Brands and Jonathan N. Stivers, the hearing signals Congress’s growing focus on India’s pivotal position. As Indo-Pacific strategies evolve, the outcomes could influence future US policies, trade deals, and military postures. Stakeholders from government, industry, and academia are expected to provide testimony, offering fresh insights into shifting alliances.
In an era of great power competition, this scrutiny highlights India’s indispensable role. The balance of power in Asia hangs in delicate equilibrium, and Washington’s assessment could set the tone for decades ahead.
