In a recent testimony before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on February 17, 2026, Lindsey Ford, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia and now an adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), provided a candid and strategic assessment of India’s rising importance on the global stage. Ford, who previously handled defense-related issues concerning South Asia, described the U.S.-India partnership as one of the most consequential relationships for shaping the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific and influencing the broader global order.
Ford emphasized that a strong U.S.-India partnership serves as an essential component of deterrence against China’s growing assertiveness. She highlighted India’s unique positioning in this regard, pointing to two key advantages: geography and scale. India’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific—sharing a long, contested border with China and commanding vital maritime routes—combined with its massive population, rapidly expanding economy, and military capabilities, sets it apart from other U.S. partners in Asia. Over the next two decades, Ford argued, no other close Asian ally can match India’s combination of these factors in counterbalancing Beijing’s influence.
Despite occasional diplomatic frictions and underlying strains in bilateral ties—such as differing approaches to certain global issues—the United States and India increasingly view their relationship as critical for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Ford noted that the partnership has built positive momentum over decades, though recent challenges have exposed areas of fragility. She welcomed emerging opportunities, including frameworks for interim trade deals, as chances to place the relationship on a more stable and enduring foundation.
Extending the discussion to Europe’s interests, Ford and related strategic analyses underscore why India holds growing significance for the European Union. As the world navigates multipolar dynamics, supply chain vulnerabilities, and competition with China, India emerges as a vital partner for diversification. The EU sees India as a massive and dynamic market, a hub for investment, and a collaborator in technology, clean energy, and resilient supply chains. Recent progress toward a comprehensive free trade agreement between India and the EU reflects this convergence, with leaders describing it as a potential “game changer” or “milestone” that could reshape economic security and strategic ties.
A strong India aligns with broader Western interests, including those of the United States. As Ford implied in broader contexts, bolstering India’s capabilities—while respecting its independent foreign policy choices, such as longstanding defense ties with Russia—strengthens collective deterrence and promotes a balanced global order. Pushing India too aggressively on certain issues risks creating vulnerabilities that could undermine shared goals.
India’s importance also stems from its demographic and economic weight. As one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies and soon projected to rank third globally by GDP, India represents enormous potential in trade, innovation, and multilateral forums. Its democratic credentials, strategic autonomy, and ability to engage diverse powers—from the U.S. and EU to Russia and Gulf states—position it as a stabilizing force in an increasingly fragmented world.
In summary, Lindsey Ford’s testimony offers a realistic and pragmatic view from American strategic circles: India’s role is indispensable for countering authoritarian challenges, securing the Indo-Pacific, and fostering multipolar stability. For both the United States and the European Union, deepening ties with India is not just advantageous—it’s increasingly seen as essential to safeguarding shared interests in security, prosperity, and global influence in the years ahead.
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