A high-stakes congressional review is set to spotlight India’s dual dance with superpowers China and the US. Scheduled for February 17 in Washington, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission’s public hearing will scrutinize how New Delhi’s relations shape the Indo-Pacific’s strategic landscape.

At the forefront: military tensions in disputed territories and India’s maritime presence in the Indian Ocean. As a key player, India’s naval capabilities are seen as a bulwark against assertive expansion. The panel will probe these dynamics, assessing risks and opportunities for alliance-building.

Economic angles promise equally compelling debate. India’s efforts to achieve autonomy in AI, semiconductors, and drug manufacturing—sectors dominating global supply chains—will draw sharp analysis. Bilateral trade with China, fraught with dependencies and opportunities, factors into the US’s broader decoupling push.

US policymakers are doubling down on strategic convergence with India. Enhanced defense pacts, joint exercises, and tech transfers have solidified ties. This hearing evaluates whether these bonds sufficiently safeguard American interests against Beijing’s rise.

Commissioners Hal Brands and Jonathan N. Stivers will lead proceedings, inviting witnesses to unpack long-term implications. From economic resilience to security architectures, the conversation underscores India’s ascent as an indispensable partner.

This isn’t just routine oversight; it’s a barometer of US priorities. With China’s influence expanding, India’s choices could tip the scales in the world’s most dynamic region. Expect revelations that ripple through foreign policy corridors.