The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), in collaboration with the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, hosted a briefing on the U.S.-India strategic partnership. The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation across defense, trade, and technology.
Held on March 26 at Capitol Hill, the event was attended by 11 Members of Congress, including Co-Chairs Congressmen Rich McCormick (GA-07) and Ro Khanna (CA-17), along with Co-Vice Chair Marc Veasey (TX-33). Other attendees included Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21), Glenn Grothman (WI-6), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Ed Case (HI-1), Kim Schrier (WA-8), Janelle Bynum (OR-5), Derek Tran (CA-45), and Herb Conaway (NJ-3).
Key Remarks
Speaking at the event, USISPF President and CEO Dr. Mukesh Aghi highlighted the bipartisan nature of U.S.-India relations. “The strategic partnership between our two democracies has been defined by past presidents as the most important strategic partnership of the 21st century. Our event with Members of Congress reflects both the bipartisan nature and strategic heft that the relationship with New Delhi has been given, especially in these venerated halls of Congress and in policy-making discourse,” said Dr. Aghi. He emphasized the continuity of Indo-Pacific cooperation through frameworks such as the Quad, I2U2, and IMEC.
Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra, also participated in the briefing. He underlined the strong foundations of the India-U.S. partnership and its bipartisan support in Congress. “We have set an ambitious agenda across defense, trade, technology, science, education, and people-to-people ties. We are committed to growing and expanding this relationship into new territories and new areas, including $500 billion in trade in the coming years,” Ambassador Kwatra stated.
Congressman Rich McCormick stressed India’s importance as a key ally. “As the largest democracy in South Asia, India is a critical ally of ours both in trade and defense, and our bipartisan discussions today emphasize the need to continue this relationship. I’m committed to building mutual cooperation between our two nations while advocating for the Indian-American diaspora here at home,” he said.
Congressman Ro Khanna described the U.S.-India partnership as a defining relationship of the 21st century. “We had a meaningful discussion on the importance of this strategic alliance and reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing national security, economic prosperity, and technological innovation,” he said.
Future Engagements
USISPF announced plans to continue hosting similar discussions with congressional members and staff throughout 2025. A U.S.-India Trade Staff briefing is scheduled for April 22 on Capitol Hill.