Washington, June 30 -- India, in partnership with the United States, stands as the unique nation equipped to rival the dimension and proportions of China's innovation network, US Senator Steve Daines has underlined, framing the bilateral equation as vital not just for the two democracies but for the global community.

The Republican Senator from Montana made these observations at the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Leadership Summit held in Washington, where he was presented with the USISPF Public Service Award for his efforts towards cementing bilateral relations. Senator Mark Warner, who was also selected for the honour, was unable to attend the event in person.

"The relationship that we have between the United States and...