The United States appears increasingly uneasy about China and is placing significant expectations on India. Against this backdrop, the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) is set to hold its first public hearing of 2026 in February, with a special focus on India.

According to the Commission, the hearing will centre on Washington's evolving relationships with New Delhi and Beijing, as well as the shifting balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. The Congressional body said the February 17 meeting will examine geopolitical and military issues linked to India's ties with both China and the US. These include border tensions, maritime access in the Indian Ocean, and India’s role as a rising power in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Key Issues On The Agenda

The hearing will also explore the economic and technological dimensions of India-China relations, including trade and investment ties. Particular attention will be paid to India's efforts to build self-reliance in critical and emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical supply chains.

Beyond India-China relations, the Commission will review US policy efforts to deepen strategic partnership with India, and assess how New Delhi's engagement with Beijing could shape future American economic and security interests.

Why The Timing Matters

The hearing comes at a time when New Delhi is considering a calibrated reopening of its economy to China, with any relaxation dependent on carefully evaluated engagement from Beijing. Relations between the two South Asian neighbours, strained for nearly four years following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, have shown signs of improvement after a series of high-level bilateral engagements.

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What Is The USCC?

The United States-China Economic and Security Review Commission is a bipartisan legislative body established by Congress in October 2000 to monitor, investigate, and report on the national security implications of trade and economic relations between the US and China.
Over the past decade, Washington has significantly increased investments in India as part of its strategy to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. India's strategic location and military capabilities make it a crucial partner in US efforts to limit Beijing's footprint across Asia.