India urged to take on global responsibilities amid rising power status

U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna told a Capitol Hill Summit 2026 audience in Washington that India’s rapid economic growth is turning it into a major global power. He said India should move beyond expanding its economic and strategic weight and assume a larger role in international affairs.

Speaking during a defence, technology and energy cooperation session, Khanna highlighted India’s potential to help end the war in Ukraine, noting its longstanding ties with Russia could enable constructive dialogue. He urged India to shift from its historic non‑aligned stance to clearer positions on major global issues.

Khanna also affirmed that, despite recent tariff frictions under the Trump administration, the strategic basis of the U.S.–India partnership remains strong, with bipartisan support in Congress for deeper cooperation in defence, technology and Indo‑Pacific security. He called for both democracies to promote pluralism, democracy and multilateral cooperation.