India-US Partnership Key in Confronting China’s Aggression: US Congressman
An enduring partnership between India and the US is crucial in confronting China’s aggressive behavior and dealing with the consequences of the Ukraine crisis, according to US Congressman Shri Thanedar. During an interview with PTI, the Indian-origin Congressman emphasized the significance of the India-US relationship for US national security. Thanedar, part of a bipartisan group of US lawmakers visiting India, highlighted the bipartisan support in the US for closer ties with India. He mentioned the warm welcome received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the joint session of the US Congress in June, which showcased the strong chemistry and friendship between Modi and President Joe Biden.
The Congressional delegation, led by Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna and Congressman Michael Waltz, aims to foster the India-US relationship into a long-lasting friendship. Thanedar acknowledged that the current situation, with China’s aggression and the Ukraine war, has generated a general feeling in the US Congress about the critical nature of the relationship with India for US national security.
Regarding recent developments in the defense sector, Thanedar indicated that the deal between American aircraft engine maker GE Aerospace and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce fighter jet engines in India would likely be endorsed by Congress. He also mentioned the finalization of India’s plan to procure 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) drones from the US during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
Given China’s aggressive behavior and unfair trade policies, the US sees India as a strong partner. Thanedar stressed the importance of collaboration between the US and India in areas of space and defense, particularly focusing on innovation in defense technologies such as drones and jet engines. He believes that such collaboration will send a strong message to China and Russia that their aggression will not be tolerated.
When asked about India’s relationship with Russia, Thanedar expressed his hopes that India would reassess its ties with Moscow. He emphasized that India has to choose its true friends and determine the extent of friendship and business collaboration it wants with Russia and the US. He described the India-US relationship as very, very important.
In terms of criticism leveled against India for alleged attacks on minorities, as mentioned in a recent report by the US State Department on religious freedom, Thanedar stated that every country has its issues. He suggested that the US should work on its racial relations and emphasized the significance of India-US friendship for helping each other become better nations.
The Congressman further emphasized the need for India and the US to work together to fight aggression, citing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and India’s own experience of military aggression from China. Lastly, he highlighted the importance of the US addressing immigration and H1B visa issues.
In conclusion, the US Congressman’s visit to India highlights the bipartisan support in the US for closer ties with India, especially in light of China’s aggression and the Ukraine crisis. The partnership between India and the US in the areas of defense and new technologies is seen as crucial in countering China’s aggressive behavior. The visit also underscores the importance of collaboration between the two countries in sending a strong message to China and Russia.
