US Congressman and co-chair of the India Caucus, Rich McCormick, has expressed strong support for deepening ties between India and the United States, including the potential expansion of the AUKUS security pact.
Speaking ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States, McCormick highlighted India’s growing role as a strategic partner, touching upon trade relations, global issues, and security cooperation.
Referring to the AUKUS pact—currently a trilateral agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—McCormick said, “It (AUKUS) does not include India right now but I would love to see it expand because India could be an incredibly strong ally.”
He also discussed trade between the two nations, emphasizing the benefits of economic collaboration. “India and the US don’t have a big trade deficit. So, that’s a good thing. We believe in free trade… I think India can produce a lot of things that are being produced in China, a country that is not so friendly to us right now. So, that is something that we can really discuss.”
Addressing global concerns, McCormick brought up India’s role in energy trade. “I think we need to discuss how India is re-selling Russian oil back to Europe, which basically fuels the war… I know PM Modi and President Trump are very close. We have had meetings before, we have had activities before. I think it’s really important that our countries see eye to eye on how we solve the world’s problems… As India expands its economy, I think it is important that they weigh in on the correct side of history, especially when it comes to what Russia is doing unjustly to Ukraine.”
McCormick also acknowledged India’s growing technological capabilities, stating, “I think we have had really good economic ties historically and we can actually have greater economic ties in the future… A country that has limitless potential in production, industry, and innovation. A country that just put a spaceship on the dark side of the moon for less than 100 million dollars – it is incredible. That is innovation at a higher level. India is here to stay…”
Meanwhile, Georgia State Representative Michael Cheokas welcomed PM Modi’s upcoming visit, calling it an opportunity to strengthen India-US ties. “PM Modi coming and visiting with President Trump, at this juncture, is great. I think we already have close ties with India. It is just going to improve even more. I am excited.”
Cheokas also highlighted the benefits of economic cooperation under the Trump administration. “You already know that President Trump is pro-business, and the Indian economy and the US economy will share the prosperity under President Trump. So, that’s why I think PM Modi coming to Washington and meeting President Trump now is very important.”
Earlier in the day, during PM Modi’s visit to Paris, he met with US Vice President JD Vance. The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest, including ways in which the United States could support India’s energy diversification efforts through investments in clean, “reliable” US nuclear technology, an official confirmed.
PM Modi will visit the United States on February 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump began his second term in office.
-ANI
