US-China Commission to Hold First 2026 Hearing on India's Indo-Pacific Role: Key Details
The US-China Economic and Security Review Commission is set to conduct its inaugural public hearing of 2026, with a primary focus on India's strategic positioning within the Indo-Pacific region and its complex relationships with both China and the United States. This significant event, titled "India, China, and the Balance of Power in the Indo-Pacific," is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 9:30 am Eastern Time.
Geopolitical and Military Dimensions Under Examination
The hearing will delve into critical geopolitical and military aspects surrounding India's interactions with China and the United States. Key areas of discussion will include:
- Ongoing tensions over disputed territories along the India-China border
- Maritime access and security concerns in the Indian Ocean region
- India's evolving role as a pivotal power in the Indo-Pacific strategic landscape
- Regional balance of power dynamics affecting US interests
Economic and Technological Considerations
Beyond military matters, the commission will explore the economic and technological dimensions of India-China relations. This comprehensive analysis will cover:
- Current trade and investment patterns between India and China
- India's ambitious initiatives to achieve self-reliance in critical technology sectors
- Developments in artificial intelligence capabilities and semiconductor manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical supply chain security and diversification efforts
US Policy Review and Strategic Implications
The hearing will serve as a platform to evaluate US policy efforts aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership with India. Commissioners will assess how India's relationship with China impacts vital US economic interests and national security concerns moving forward. This examination comes at a crucial juncture in international relations, with implications for global power dynamics.
Hearing Logistics and Participation
The session will be co-chaired by Commissioner Hal Brands and Commissioner Jonathan N. Stivers, featuring a structured question-and-answer period between commissioners and expert witnesses. Importantly, the hearing will be open to the public, with multiple attendance options:
- In-person attendance at or near the US Capitol and adjacent Congressional office buildings
- Live webcast viewing through the Commission's official website
Specific building and room details for in-person attendance will be announced closer to the hearing date.
Commission Background and Mandate
Established by Congress in 2000 under the National Defense Authorization Act, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission operates with a clear mandate: to investigate, assess, and report annually to Congress on the national security implications of the economic relationship between the United States and China. This hearing represents an expansion of that mandate to include third-party nations like India that significantly influence US-China dynamics.
India-China Relations: Context and Recent Developments
The hearing occurs against the backdrop of gradually improving India-China relations following years of tension. Key recent developments include:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the October 2024 BRICS summit
- Modi's subsequent visit to China for the SCO summit, marking his first trip to the country in seven years
- Ongoing efforts to mend bilateral ties following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash
- Enhanced cooperation discussions focusing on trade expansion and regional stability
Notably, India is reportedly considering a carefully calibrated approach to economic engagement with China, with any easing of restrictions contingent on reciprocal measures from Beijing.
Broader International Context
The timing of this hearing carries additional significance as it precedes US President Donald Trump's planned state visit to China in April 2026 by just a few weeks. This scheduling suggests the commission's findings may inform or influence high-level diplomatic discussions between the world's two largest economies, with India's role serving as a crucial third element in this complex geopolitical equation.
As global power dynamics continue to evolve, this hearing represents a critical examination of how India's strategic choices in the Indo-Pacific will shape not only regional stability but also the broader international order in the coming years.
