In a strong endorsement of its strategic vision, the United States has declared India the bedrock of South Asia and the western Indo-Pacific region. Delivering prepared remarks to a U.S. House subcommittee on South and Central Asia, Paul Kapoor, Assistant Secretary for the region, detailed how the Trump era’s ‘America First’ approach amplifies trade pacts, defense alliances, and investments with New Delhi.
Trump’s National Security Strategy calls for prioritizing U.S. supremacy through proactive partnerships in critical zones, Kapoor explained. Speaking ahead of his testimony, he credited presidential guidance for mutual benefits in economics and defense across alliances.
The sheer scale of South Asia demands attention: India alone hosts over one billion residents, shaping the subcontinent’s dynamics. Kapoor stressed that unchecked dominance by adversarial forces here could trigger worldwide economic disruptions—a scenario America must prevent by championing a free, open Indo-Pacific.
India stands out with its geographic heft, demographic power, and dedication to regional openness, anchoring stability from South Asia to the Indo-Pacific’s western flank. Bilateral momentum is accelerating via elite diplomatic exchanges and collaborations in defense, tech, and energy sectors.
Kapoor spotlighted breakthroughs like the decade-long U.S.-India Defense Framework, innovative TRUST programs, and India’s acquisitions of U.S. drones and LNG cargoes. Trade surged forward with a historic Trump-Modi pact last week, complemented by a fresh U.S.-Bangladesh deal unlocking export opportunities.
Kapoor mapped a trio of capacity-building strategies: fortified defense ties, precise investments, and diplomatic outreach. Pakistan, another vital ally, collaborates with the U.S. on resource development, blending government funding with private insights.
Nations such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—strategically positioned yet vulnerable to pressure—require bolstering. Flagging debt-trap risks, Kapoor called for joint initiatives to foster partner autonomy, fortify U.S. defenses, and drive national prosperity.
As China’s influence grows in economics and security, South Asia anchors U.S. Indo-Pacific ambitions. India’s starring role via defense synergies, group engagements, and trade booms cements it as a linchpin partner in this high-stakes chessboard.