U.S.' relationship with India 'critical' in dealing with China, Russia: Congressman Ro Khanna

The U.S.’ relationship with India is “critical” in dealing with its strategic adversaries — China and Russia, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said.

The U.S.' relationship with India is "critical" in dealing with its strategic adversaries — China and Russia, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna has said.

Mr. Khanna spoke to radio talk show host Hugh Hewitt on August 29 after his return from India, where he led a bipartisan Congressional delegation.

"China and Russia are clearly two strategic challenges, adversaries. That's why the relationship with India is going to be so critical in dealing with it. I think China and Russia aren't always going to march lockstep and there are opportunities there, but by and large, we should be clear-eyed about what they're doing,” he said.

Mr. Khanna said it was unreasonable for the U.S. to expect that India will block the Strait of Malacca during a conflict with China, but New Delhi can be aggressive on its borders in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh to open a two-front war if Beijing invades Taiwan.

The Strait of Malacca is a waterway connecting the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).

As the link between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, the Strait of Malacca is the shortest sea route between India and China and hence is one of the most heavily travelled shipping channels in the world.

Mr. Khanna, who is currently Co-Chair of the Congressional India Caucus, did not agree with Indian American Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy who said on Tuesday that he would wish India to close Malacca Strait in the case of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.