What Will the US House Panel Review About the India-US Strategic Partnership on Dec 10?
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Synopsis
A pivotal public hearing by a US congressional panel on December 10 will investigate the evolving dynamics of the India-US strategic partnership, focusing on defense, economic, and diplomatic aspects. This session promises to shed light on India's increasing role in the Indo-Pacific region, with leading experts providing insights.
Key Takeaways
- Public hearing set for December 10 to assess the India-US partnership.
- Focus on defense, economic, and diplomatic relations.
- Key witnesses include leading experts from various think tanks.
- The hearing underscores bipartisan support for the partnership.
- Collaboration in critical technologies is expanding.
Washington, Dec 5 (NationPress) A significant congressional panel from the US is set to hold a public hearing next week aimed at evaluating the progression of the India–US strategic partnership. This session will focus on the shifting defense, economic, and diplomatic dimensions of the bilateral relationship.
The hearing, entitled “The US–India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” is slated for December 10, as per the official notice from the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on South and Central Asia.
Led by Congressman Bill Huizenga from Michigan, the subcommittee will gather insights from prominent analysts who closely monitor India's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Among the invited witnesses are Jeff Smith, Director of the Asian Studies Centre at the Heritage Foundation; Dhruva Jaishankar, Executive Director of ORF America; and Sameer Lalwani, Senior Fellow with the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States.
This hearing aims to delve into India’s defense modernization, increasing military collaboration with the United States, technology partnerships, regional diplomacy, and joint efforts to maintain a rules-based Indo-Pacific.
It occurs as Washington and New Delhi broaden their collaborative initiatives in crucial technologies, maritime security, and supply chain resilience.
The India–US partnership continues to draw bipartisan attention in Congress, with lawmakers perceiving New Delhi as a vital element of US strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Such hearings present lawmakers with a platform to evaluate policies, identify challenges, and strengthen long-term commitments to one of America’s most significant bilateral relationships.
The announcement of the Congressional hearing coincides with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in New Delhi for a two-day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The three witnesses—Jeff Smith, Dhruva Jaishankar, and Sameer Lalwani—are recognized experts on India based in the US capital.
In recent years, the two nations have also intensified their collaboration under the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which has opened new opportunities for cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, and defense innovation.
The emphasis on the Indo-Pacific has further elevated India’s significance in Washington across various frameworks, including diplomatic, security, and supply chain.
Point of View
The upcoming hearing reflects the ongoing commitment of the US to strengthen ties with India, recognizing its role as a key player in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership is not only strategic but essential for addressing contemporary global challenges, ensuring a collaborative approach to security and economic growth.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of the hearing?
The hearing will primarily assess the evolving defense, economic, and diplomatic aspects of the India-US strategic partnership, particularly in the context of the Indo-Pacific.
Who will be testifying at the hearing?
Testimonies will be provided by notable analysts including Jeff Smith, Dhruva Jaishankar, and Sameer Lalwani, who specialize in India's role in the Indo-Pacific.
When is the hearing scheduled?
The public hearing is set for December 10, as announced by the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on South and Central Asia.
Why is this partnership important?
The India-US partnership is deemed a cornerstone of US strategy in the Indo-Pacific, focusing on security, technology, and economic collaboration.
What recent initiatives have been undertaken between the US and India?
Recent initiatives include the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET), which promotes collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, and defense innovation.
