Expanding ties with India is priority area for new US House Foreign Relations Committee

Chaired by Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, the committee adopted a resolution on Wednesday to define its priority and oversight area during the 118th Congress.

The newly constituted House Foreign Relations Committee has set its eye on expanding the US-India bilateral relationship, particularly in the defence, economic sectors and counterterrorism efforts and to bolster India's presence in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.

Chaired by Republican Congressman Michael McCaul, the committee adopted a resolution on Wednesday to define its priority and oversight area during the 118th Congress.

Democrat Gregory Meeks is the Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“The Committee will review US policy towards India and the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation. Particular attention will be paid to the US-India defence relationship, including security and technology cooperation, opportunities for expanded roles, missions, and capabilities, and counterterrorism efforts,” said the House Foreign Affairs Committee document that was adopted by it on February 8.

“The Committee will also focus on efforts to enhance US-India economic relations, including discussions surrounding bilateral efforts in the technology, telecommunications, and pharmaceutical industries,” it said.

It will also focus on efforts to bolster India’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue efforts and its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. It will also review the implications of India’s rapidly growing energy demands, the committee said.

The US, India and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.