US Senator Highlights Trust In India, Questions China With “Delhi Not Beijing” Comment

US Republican Senator Steve Daines has drawn a sharp contrast between India and China, using a personal anecdote involving his mobile phone to underline what he described as differing levels of trust in the two countries. Speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington on Tuesday, Daines said he carries his phone when travelling to India but leaves it behind when visiting Beijing, suggesting higher trust in India compared to China.

Daines made the remarks while addressing the broader geopolitical competition between the United States and China, stating that India, in partnership with the US, is uniquely positioned to match the scale of China’s innovation ecosystem. He said that strengthening the India-US relationship is not only important for the two democracies but also for maintaining global balance in technology and innovation.

According to the senator, Washington must adopt a more structured approach to engaging with India while managing strategic competition with China. He said the United States cannot fully disengage from China but must focus on “de-risking” its economic and strategic dependencies while simultaneously building reliable partnerships elsewhere. Daines emphasised that India represents a key partner in this effort due to its talent base and expanding technological capabilities.

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During the discussion, Daines highlighted the importance of India’s workforce and innovation potential, arguing that the combination of India’s talent pool and US scale provides a strong foundation for global competitiveness. He described India as the only country capable of matching China’s innovation ecosystem when working in close cooperation with the United States, framing the partnership as essential for maintaining global technological leadership.

The senator, who has travelled widely across Asia, also stressed the importance of direct engagement in shaping foreign policy. He said that personal interactions and on-the-ground experience are crucial for building mutual understanding and trust between nations. Daines added that while Washington often discusses the challenge posed by China, it has yet to fully define a comprehensive strategy for strengthening specific alliances, particularly with India, that could serve as effective counterbalances in the global order.

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