Elections in BD, Nepal offer new opportunities: US

US Representative Bill Huizenga has said elections in Bangladesh and Nepal following recent uprisings offer new opportunities for American engagement in South Asia.

Speaking at a hearing on US foreign policy in the region, Huizenga, chairman of the House Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, said both countries are undergoing  major political transformations. 

Bangladesh is holding its first national election on Thursday since the 2024 uprising, while Nepalese youth overthrew an authoritarian government in September 2025 and the country will hold democratic elections next month.

"Both of these instances offer new chapters for engagement in South Asia, defining US relations with these new governments," said Huizenga, a Michigan Republican.

He described South and Central Asia as a dynamic region of nearly two billion people, growing economies, and strategic waterways shaping the Indo-Pacific balance of power. He said young populations are increasingly drawn to Western values over China's "authoritarian" alternative, adding that President Donald Trump has negotiated regional trade deals that open markets and advance US economic interests.

"How we engage now will define America's role in Asia for decades to come," he said.
On China, Huizenga accused Beijing of "predatory lending" to advance its security interests and push smaller nations into debt traps, while fortifying its borders with India, Nepal and Bhutan. He stressed that maintaining a free and open Indian Ocean is vital to US national and economic security.

Calling the Indian Ocean one of the world's busiest maritime corridors - carrying over 80 per cent of global seaborne oil trade - he said enhanced naval cooperation with partners would counter China's growing influence and limit its "malign behavior."

Huizenga also underscored the strategic importance of the US naval base at Diego Garcia, saying American military strength in the region deters "Chinese coercion," prevents piracy and safeguards global trade.

He described India - the world's largest democracy and one of its fastest-growing economies - as a vital strategic partner. Trump recently brokered a trade deal with India, setting tariff rates at 18% and securing greater Indian purchases of American energy. The US has also signed a trade deal with Bangladesh.

Strengthening defense, trade and technology ties with India advances shared interests, he added.