US Senator Steve Daines has asserted that India, in collaboration with the United States, is the only country capable of matching the size and scale of China's innovation ecosystem. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington, Daines received the USISPF Public Service Award for his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. Senator Mark Warner, also selected for the honour, was unable to attend in person.
Partnership vital for the world
Daines emphasized that the relationship between the US and India is not only important for the two democracies but for the entire world. He noted that Washington must adopt a more strategic approach toward India while countering China's geopolitical challenge. "We need a high-trust counterpoint as we think about what's going on with China," Daines stated during a conversation with Raj Subramaniam, President and CEO of FedEx.
Drawing a sharp contrast in his personal dealings with the two nations, the Senator revealed: "When I travel to China, this phone does not go to Beijing with me. It stays on my desk in Washington DC. When I travel to Delhi or anywhere in India, this one is with me."
De-risk, not disengage
Daines stressed that while the US cannot completely break ties with China, it must prioritize de-risking its operations while building reliable strategic alliances. "We can't disengage from China. We need to engage, we need to de-risk," he said, adding, "But it begs the question, so what are we gonna do proactively as we think about strategic partnerships and opportunities?"
The Senator maintained that the combined talent pool of India and the US provides the necessary scale to compete globally. "There's only one country in the world that can match the size and scale of China's innovation ecosystem, and it's India working with the United States," Daines affirmed. He added that the only hope to build that scale globally is "India plus the United States."
Personal diplomacy and trust
Having travelled extensively across Asia, Daines emphasized that direct personal diplomacy remains vital for shaping impactful foreign policy. "Nothing beats visiting and spending time with the people," he remarked, underscoring that mutual trust is the core foundation of the India-US equation.
He noted that while Washington frequently discusses the China challenge, it has failed to formulate a concrete roadmap for which alliances need strengthening. "We talk a lot here in Washington about the challenge with China, but not really have thought through a strategy for, okay, what do we need to do going forward? What relationship need to strengthen here as that counterbalance," he stated.
Award presentation and praise
Introducing Daines, USISPF Chairman John Chambers lauded the Senator's ability to nurture long-term relationships and work across political divisions. "He has the ability to form relationships for life," Chambers noted, adding, "He works across the aisle and brings constituents in a win-win environment." Chambers also highlighted Daines' previous visit to New Delhi, where he built deep trust with Indian leadership and American officials.
Subramaniam, who moderated the session, congratulated Daines and pointed to his background as a chemical engineer, former Procter & Gamble executive, entrepreneur, and legislator.
China's economic rise and US leadership
Daines reflected on his early career in China during the 1990s with Procter & Gamble, noting that China's economy expanded from roughly USD 500 billion at that time to exceeding USD 20 trillion today. He also touched on his diplomatic missions in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, including efforts toward a peace accord between Azerbaijan and Armenia, asserting that American global leadership remains consequential because "freedom works."
Having announced his upcoming departure from the Senate, Daines indicated his intention to remain engaged in international affairs and the advancement of India-US relations. "We're not gonna retire. We're gonna repurpose and probably stay engaged in the private sector," he affirmed, adding, "We're passionate about these global issues, passionate about what's going on in India."
Personal connection to India
Concluding on a personal note, Daines shared that an Indian doctor had saved his father's life during cancer treatment. "It was an Indian doctor that saved my father's life," he expressed, stating that the immense contribution of the Indian-American diaspora to US society was "not lost on me."
The USISPF Public Service Award honours public figures who actively drive the strengthening of the India-US corridor. This year's presentation to Daines showcased his ongoing efforts to elevate strategic cooperation with India, coinciding with Washington's recalibration of global supply chains, technological rivalries, and long-term posture toward China.
