Washington, Jan 31: A US congressional panel will hold a public hearing on February 17, 2026, to examine how India’s relationships with China and the United States are shaping the balance of power in the Indo‑Pacific region, according to a notice published by the US‑China Economic and Security Review Commission.The hearing, titled “India, China, and the Balance of Power in the Indo‑Pacific,” aims to explore a wide range of issues related to geopolitical, military, economic and technological developments involving the two Asian giants.
Lawmakers plan to review tensions between India and China over border disputes, maritime access in the Indian Ocean, and India’s expanding role as a strategic actor in the region. The panel will also probe the economic and technological dimensions of India‑China ties, including trade, investment, and cooperation — as well as India’s push for self‑reliance in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and pharmaceutical supply chains.
In addition to analysing India‑China dynamics, the hearing will assess US policy efforts to strengthen its strategic partnership with India and consider how New Delhi’s engagements with Beijing could affect American economic and national security interests going forward.
The session, to be co‑chaired by commissioners Hal Brands and Jonathan N. Stivers, reflects growing congressional interest in how the strategic choices of India — a key Indo‑Pacific partner — might influence broader efforts to manage competition with China in the region.