A Conversation with Rep. Darrell Issa on US–South Asia Relations

The South Asian and Indian Ocean regions are critical for America’s national security interests and will be key to countering China’s military and economic rise through a United States–led Indo-Pacific coalition. As part of this coalition, the US has placed a strategic bet on India, demonstrated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s June 2023 state visit to Washington and President Joe Biden’s September 2023 visit to New Delhi. Meanwhile, American policymakers have an interest in maintaining political and economic stability and monitoring extremism and terrorism across South Asia. This year will also be a crucial moment for countries in this region, as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will all hold elections. 

For a conversation about US relations with South Asia and a look ahead at the challenges and opportunities in the coming year, Hudson Institute’s Dr. Aparna Pande will host Representative Darrell Issa. They will discuss where relations stand between the United States and the countries of South Asia, especially in the context of American interests in the Indo-Pacific and the region’s relevance to American strategy and policy.