‘My phone goes to Delhi, not Beijing’: US Senator’s China trust jab and big praise for India

U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines used his personal phone as a stark example to illustrate his trust in India over China, stating he carries it with him when traveling to Delhi but leaves it behind when visiting Beijing.

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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.

Daines, speaking at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit in Washington, asserted that India, in partnership with the United States, is the only nation equipped to rival the scale and scope of China's innovation network. He described the bilateral relationship as crucial for both democracies and the global community.

"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," Daines remarked, highlighting the difference in perceived trustworthiness. He was reportedly presented with the USISPF Public Service Award for his efforts in strengthening U.S.-India relations.

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We need a high-trust counterpoint as we think about what's going on with China.

Addressing the geopolitical challenge posed by China, Daines advocated for a more strategic U.S. approach toward India's role. "We need a high-trust counterpoint as we think about what's going on with China," he said. While acknowledging that complete disengagement from China is not feasible, he stressed the importance of de-risking operations and building dependable strategic alliances. "We can't disengage from China. We need to engage, we need to de-risk," he stated, posing the question of proactive strategies for partnerships.

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We can't disengage from China. We need to engage, we need to de-risk.

Daines further elaborated on India's significance, calling it the "only country in the world that can match the size and scale of China's innovation ecosystem." He believes that competing globally requires the combined strength of India and the United States. The senator underscored the vital role of personal diplomacy, stating, "Nothing beats visiting and spending time with the people," and identifying mutual trust as the bedrock of the India-U.S. relationship.

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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…the only hope we have thinking about globally to compete with that, to build the scale is gonna be India plus the United States.