Washington, March 20 (NationPress) The United States is urging European nations to assume greater responsibility for their defense while maintaining a robust military presence on the continent. This transition has direct implications for India as the US intensifies its focus on China and the Indo-Pacific region.

During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, US lawmakers and defense officials emphasized that NATO remains a cornerstone of American strategy. Simultaneously, Washington is advocating for its allies to increase defense budgets and take on a larger share of the defense responsibilities.

Chairman Mike Rogers cautioned against any hasty withdrawal of US troops from Europe, asserting that such actions could undermine deterrence against Russia. “A hasty drawdown could create a perilous deterrence gap and provoke further Russian aggression,” he stated in his opening remarks.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, officials recognized that Russia retains substantial military capabilities despite suffering significant losses. For India, which maintains relations with both Moscow and Western capitals, the potential for an extended conflict poses economic and strategic challenges, particularly regarding energy markets.

General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of US European Command, noted that American forces stationed in Europe are vital not just for NATO but also for operations beyond that region. “Without our forces in Europe, we would lack the bases necessary to project power in the Middle East,” he informed lawmakers.

He further mentioned that European nations are increasing their defense expenditures, but warned that developing genuine military capabilities will require time. “By 2035, I believe they can manage most of the responsibilities,” he noted, referencing delays in production and industrial capacity.

The Pentagon is currently advocating for a reassessment of NATO's responsibilities. Assistant Secretary of Defense Daniel Zimmerman affirmed that the US remains dedicated to the alliance but anticipates that Europe will take the lead on conventional defense. He characterized this strategy as “peace through strength,” coupled with enhanced burden-sharing.

During the hearing, officials indicated that a more robust European defense posture would enable the US to reallocate resources towards the Indo-Pacific, a region that is crucial to India’s own security concerns.

Simultaneously, lawmakers from both parties emphasized that the US military presence in Europe underpins global operations, including those in the Middle East and Africa. Grynkewich asserted that Europe acts as a “platform for projecting US combat power,” supported by a network of bases and allied access.

The hearing also underscored the increasing coordination among US adversaries, including Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Grynkewich cautioned that such collaboration is heightening risks across various regions and necessitates a unified response.