Written by Alyssa Varas

What’s happening: President Joe Biden's state visit for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in late June signaled efforts to solidify bonds with Asia's largest democracy as a strategic counter to a more assertive China. Simultaneously, the administration finds itself in a delicate balance, advocating partnership while privately expressing concerns over perceived democratic regressions in India, including the right-wing Hindu nationalist’s stifling of dissidents and politically motivated harassment.