WASHINGTON, D.C. | June 30, 2026
Steve Daines Says India Is America’s Key Partner in Competing With China’s Innovation Ecosystem
Steve Daines India China Innovation took center stage at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit, where Republican Senator Steve Daines said India is the only country that, working alongside the United States, can match the size and scale of China’s innovation ecosystem.
Speaking at the summit in Washington, D.C., Daines described the India-US partnership as strategically important not only for the two democracies but also for the future of the global economy. His remarks come as Washington continues to reassess its long-term strategy on technology competition, resilient supply chains, and geopolitical engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
The senator received the USISPF Public Service Award for his contributions to strengthening India-US relations. Democratic Senator Mark Warner, who was also selected for the honor, was unable to attend the ceremony.
India-US Partnership Is Critical for Global Stability
During a conversation with Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx, Daines emphasized that the relationship between India and the United States extends far beyond bilateral interests.
He said the partnership plays a significant role in shaping global economic growth, technological advancement, and geopolitical stability.
According to Daines, cooperation between Washington and New Delhi has become increasingly important as nations respond to evolving global security and economic challenges.
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India Seen as America’s Most Trusted Strategic Partner
The Montana senator argued that the United States must think more strategically about India’s role as it manages long-term competition with China.
He said Washington requires trusted partners capable of contributing to innovation, advanced manufacturing, technology development, and resilient supply chains.
Daines stressed that India stands apart because of its growing technological capabilities, highly skilled workforce, expanding digital economy, and democratic institutions.
According to the senator, no other nation offers the same combination of talent, market size, and long-term strategic alignment with the United States.
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‘India Is the Only Country That Can Match China’s Innovation Scale’
Highlighting India’s growing technological strength, Daines said that only India, working alongside the United States, possesses the capability to compete with China’s vast innovation ecosystem.
He argued that global competition in advanced technologies will increasingly depend on close collaboration between the world’s two largest democracies.
The senator added that the combined strengths of American innovation and India’s expanding talent base provide the best opportunity to build competitive capabilities across critical industries.
His comments reflect growing bipartisan recognition in Washington of India’s expanding role in global technology, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, semiconductor development, and digital infrastructure.
Drawing a Sharp Contrast Between India and China
Daines illustrated the difference between his approach to India and China by sharing a personal example from his overseas travel.
He said that when he visits Beijing, he leaves his personal phone behind in Washington due to security concerns.
By contrast, he noted that he carries the same phone freely while traveling throughout India.
The comparison underscored what Daines described as the high level of trust the United States places in its partnership with India.
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Washington Should Reduce Risks, Not Fully Decouple From China
While acknowledging the importance of economic engagement with China, Daines said complete decoupling is neither realistic nor desirable.
Instead, he advocated a strategy focused on reducing strategic risks while simultaneously strengthening relationships with reliable democratic partners.
He argued that Washington must actively build stronger alliances rather than concentrating solely on the challenges posed by Beijing.
According to Daines, long-term success depends on creating resilient partnerships capable of supporting innovation, trade, investment, and secure supply chains.
Trust Is the Foundation of India-US Relations
Reflecting on his extensive travels across Asia, Daines said personal engagement remains one of the most effective tools of diplomacy.
He emphasized that building trust through direct interactions with political leaders, businesses, and communities is essential for successful foreign policy.
According to the senator, trust remains the strongest pillar supporting the expanding India-US relationship.
He suggested that long-term partnerships are built not only through agreements but also through sustained personal relationships between leaders and institutions.
Calls for a More Strategic Vision in Washington
Daines observed that policymakers in Washington frequently discuss the strategic challenge posed by China but spend less time defining which partnerships should be strengthened to address that challenge.
He encouraged American policymakers to develop a more proactive strategy centered on trusted democratic allies, particularly India.
The senator argued that closer collaboration with New Delhi would enhance innovation, strengthen economic resilience, and support long-term geopolitical stability.
USISPF Honors Steve Daines for Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Before presenting the USISPF Public Service Award, USISPF Chairman John Chambers praised Daines for his ability to build lasting relationships across political and diplomatic lines.
Chambers highlighted the senator’s bipartisan approach and his commitment to creating mutually beneficial outcomes for businesses, governments, and citizens.
He also referenced Daines’ visits to New Delhi, noting that the senator had developed strong working relationships with Indian leaders and senior diplomats, including US Ambassador Sergio Gor and Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra.
The award recognizes public officials who have made significant contributions to advancing the India-US strategic partnership.
Career Shaped by Experience in Asia
During the discussion, moderator Raj Subramaniam congratulated Daines on receiving the award and reflected on his diverse professional background as a chemical engineer, former Procter & Gamble executive, entrepreneur, and lawmaker.
Daines recalled working in China for Procter & Gamble during the 1990s, saying the experience gave him firsthand insight into the country’s extraordinary economic transformation.
He noted that China’s economy has grown from roughly $500 billion during that period to more than $20 trillion today, fundamentally reshaping the global economy.
Continued Focus on Global Diplomacy
The senator also discussed his diplomatic engagement in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, including efforts to support peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
He reaffirmed his belief that American leadership continues to play a vital role in promoting international stability and democratic values.
According to Daines, freedom and open markets remain powerful drivers of long-term prosperity.
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Plans to Stay Engaged After Leaving the Senate
Although Daines announced plans to step away from the US Senate, he said he does not intend to retire from public life.
Instead, he expects to remain actively involved in international affairs and India-US relations, potentially through the private sector.
He emphasized that he remains deeply interested in global issues and intends to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen cooperation between Washington and New Delhi.
Personal Story Highlights Indian-American Contributions
Concluding his remarks, Daines shared a personal story about his family’s connection to India.
He recalled that an Indian physician played a crucial role in saving his father’s life during cancer treatment.
The senator said the experience reinforced his appreciation for the significant contributions Indian Americans continue to make across healthcare, science, technology, education, entrepreneurship, and public service in the United States.
India-US Partnership Gains Strategic Importance
Daines’ remarks come at a time when the United States is placing greater emphasis on trusted international partnerships to strengthen supply chains, accelerate technological innovation, and address long-term strategic competition.
As Washington and New Delhi continue expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, defense, digital technologies, clean energy, and advanced research, India is increasingly viewed as one of America’s most important strategic partners.
The USISPF Public Service Award presented to Senator Steve Daines reflects growing bipartisan support in Washington for deeper engagement with India as both countries seek to shape the future of global innovation, economic security, and geopolitical stability.
