US lawmaker claims: Strategic partnership with India is long-term

Washington: Senior US lawmakers sought to draw a clear distinction between India and Pakistan in Washington’s strategic calculus. They emphasized that India, not Pakistan, is America’s long-standing partner in the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Speaking at a discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Representative Amy Bera said that periodic diplomatic engagement with Pakistan should not be confused with strategic alignment.
Bera dismissed the perception created by recent political rhetoric, saying, “We are not building a strategic partnership with Pakistan.”
He acknowledged that comments by US leaders can sometimes cause friction in New Delhi. Recalling the diplomatic atmosphere during his recent visit to India, Bera said, “The President made some comments about Pakistan, inviting Pakistani leaders to the Oval Office.”
However, Bera stressed that the economic and strategic realities clearly favor India. He said, “You don’t see American companies investing billions of dollars in Pakistan. That’s all happening in India.” Representative Rich McCormick echoed this sentiment, calling India crucial to regional and global stability. He said, “We don’t need a more important friend than India, not just for the future of the United States and India, but for the stability of the entire world.”
The lawmakers noted that Pakistan is not included in Washington’s long-term Indo-Pacific strategy, which increasingly focuses on Democratic partners and economic integration. Bera noted that India has been central to US strategy under several administrations. He said, “If you go back to the Clinton Administration, the Bush Administration, Obama, Trump 1.0, Biden, India has been crucial to our entire Indo-Pacific strategy.”
Bera also compared investor confidence in India to the lack of similar momentum in Pakistan. He said, “We’re playing the long game,” and added that the business community understands the direction of US engagement.
McCormick said India’s alignment with US values ​​sets it apart. Describing the foundation of the partnership, he said, “We share a common vision of the economy and the freedom and progress of our people.”
While acknowledging that India pursues an independent foreign policy, McCormick said Washington understands New Delhi’s domestic needs. Referring to India’s decisions on energy and economic growth, McCormick said, “It’s doing so in the best interest of its country.”