US: relations are described as “a defining relationship of the 21st century” by US Representative Bill Huizenga
US : Representative Bill Huizenga highlighted the increasing strategic importance of Washington and New Delhi’s collaboration, calling it “a defining relationship of the 21st century.”
He presented India as a key component of the US strategy for the area in his speech before the House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing titled “The US-India Strategic Partnership: Securing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
“The relationship between the United States and India is no longer just important,” Huizenga said. It is one of the 21st century’s defining relationships. The collaboration is crucial, he said, if the United States wants “a free Indo-Pacific, resilient supply chains, and a world where democracy, not authoritarianism, sets the rules.” His remarks reaffirmed Washington’s long-held belief that India is an essential democratic ally in determining the security and economic structure of the Indo-Pacific.
Huizenga reflected on the development of the relationship and pointed out that India’s foreign policy character after independence has influenced it. “While the partnership has been nuanced since India gained independence in 1947, and India’s non-alignment posture shaped its strategic identity, the United States and the Republic of India share a common vision of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific rooted in democratic values and a deep desire for freedom,” he stated.
He said that for many years, improving relations with India has been a top objective for both parties in Washington. “That’s why every American administration, Republican and Democrat, has strengthened ties, or certainly at least attempted to, making clear that the United States does not see India as a temporary or transactional partner,” he said.
Huizenga’s comments coincided with Washington and New Delhi’s ongoing strengthening of their strategic sector collaboration.
In keeping with this trend, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker chaired the most recent session of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and the US on Tuesday in New Delhi. The conference offered a chance for a thorough evaluation of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The TRUST (Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) program, trade and investment, defense cooperation, and energy cooperation—particularly civil nuclear cooperation—were among the many bilateral goals that were considered during the discussions.
In keeping with the more general strategic concerns Huizenga emphasized, technology, vital minerals, and reliable supply networks were also discussed extensively.
India and the US reaffirmed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific during the discussion, which also discussed regional and international issues.
Both delegations agreed to further up efforts under “Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology (COMPACT) for the 21st Century” and applauded the steady progress made via the current dialogue mechanisms.