US Lawmakers Unite on Importance of India-US Ties Amid Global Challenges

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A recent hearing in the US House of Representatives highlighted the significance of the US-India relationship in addressing pressing global issues. The bipartisan subcommittee on South and Central Asia, comprised of members from the Republican and Democratic parties, gathered to assess the partnership's value to both nations. US lawmakers acknowledged the critical role India plays in shaping the 21st-century world order, citing its potential to contribute to a free Indo-Pacific region, resilient supply chains, and a world where democracy thrives. The partnership is seen as essential in countering the rise of China and promoting mutual interests in key sectors such as defense, climate, energy, AI, space, and emerging technologies. Experts and lawmakers emphasized the importance of naval cooperation between the two countries in securing trade routes in the Indian Ocean, while also highlighting the need to reduce dependence on China in pharmaceutical supply chains. The Quad alliance, with India at its core, was also recognized as a vital component of regional security. However, the hearing also exposed partisan divisions, particularly regarding the Trump administration's handling of US-India relations. Democratic representatives criticized the 50% tariff on Indian goods and restrictions on H-1B visa holders, with some describing it as a 'failed foreign policy' that has strained ties with India. Concerns were raised about India's close ties to Russia, with both parties expressing unease about the implications for the bilateral partnership. Additionally, Democratic representatives questioned the recent restrictions on legal immigration, including H-1B visas, and the rise of anti-Indian hatred in the US. Indian-American representative Pramila Jayapal, who has personal experience with the H-1B visa system, flagged these issues as matters of particular concern. The hearing underscored the bipartisan consensus on the importance of the US-India relationship in addressing pressing global challenges, while also highlighting the need for more effective diplomacy and cooperation to overcome existing differences.