Ford stressed India’s pragmatic stance on Chinese threats, from border tensions to espionage vulnerabilities in tech. He cautioned against pressuring India to sever defense ties with Russia, warning that this could harm rather than strengthen the US-India partnership, given India’s past dependence on Russian arms.
On Pakistan, Commissioner **Jonathan Stivers** asked experts (including Ford) about prioritizing India-US relations, and asked whether giving a “break” from Pakistan relations would build trust. Ford responded that the US should address India’s concerns about Pakistan’s alleged transfer of Western tactics, tech and training to China, and urged an investigation into these issues.
This article incorrectly references the recent US-India “trade deal” which reduced US tariffs from 50% to 18% and India tariffs on US products to zero. In fact, there was a framework agreement and tariff relief in February 2026: the US removed the 25% punitive duty on Indian imports (linked to Russian oil purchases) and reduced the reciprocal tariff from 25% to 18%, linked to India’s commitments on oil diversification and defense alignment. While a full reciprocal zero tariff is still a ray of hope in the ongoing negotiations, it has not been finalized.
Overall, Ford’s comments reflect bipartisan recognition of the US’s role for India in countering China, amid a strengthened bilateral relationship following the tariff adjustment. The hearing emphasized the mutual benefits in balancing Beijing’s influence without making any sudden changes in India’s multi-aligned foreign policy.
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