how can a country like the United States which has the strongest economy in the world be in debt to countries much less economically like India or China?
because US only has the strongest economy in the world on paper. in reality it is quite weak and fragile actually. it is kept afloat by increasing the debt, printing more money and fooling everyone into thinking everything is OK.
it reminds of that picture where everything is on fire while the character keeps saying everything is fine.
I believe that is worst than that. If they kept over spending on the stuff like Military and Weapons then they are just wasting their money. We are not at War and there may not be any in next decade at least! In the Era of Scientific exploration and Education country like USA is falling apart in terms of that. Countries like India, Japan and rest of the asia has emerged as land of science, businesses, unlimited employment and such!
India got upgraded with 40 new billionaires during the Pandemic. If you calculate their worth combined then it's in multi-trillions! India has huge amount of money flowing around.
Don't forget its not "PRINTED" money, it is real in and out with businesses, services, sells with domestic and international market. If USA don't plan for it then that kingdom is on the verge of fall in next 4-5 decades.