Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United States, US Congressman Rich McCormick, co-chair of the India Caucus, emphasized the strengthening ties between India and the US. He expressed strong support for deeper cooperation between the two nations, touching on topics such as trade, global issues, and the potential expansion of the AUKUS pact—a trilateral security alliance involving Australia, the UK, and the US.
Discussing the AUKUS pact, McCormick stated, “Right now, India isn’t part of AUKUS, but I would love to see it expand because India could be an incredibly strong ally.”
On the subject of trade, McCormick noted the positive state of the trade relationship between the two countries, saying, “India and the US don’t have a large trade deficit, which is a good thing. We believe in free trade, and India can produce many of the goods that are currently being produced in China, a country that is not so friendly to us right now. This is something we can definitely explore.”
McCormick also highlighted the importance of discussing global issues, particularly India’s role in the international arena. “We need to discuss how India is re-selling Russian oil to Europe, which essentially fuels the war. As India’s economy expands, it’s crucial for India to take the right side of history, especially when it comes to Russia’s unjust actions in Ukraine,” he stated.
Reflecting on India’s growing global influence, McCormick added, “India has limitless potential in production, industry, and innovation. They just put a spacecraft on the dark side of the moon for less than $100 million—an incredible feat of innovation. India is here to stay.”
Meanwhile, Georgia State Representative Michael Cheokas praised PM Modi’s upcoming visit to the US. “PM Modi’s visit with President Trump is fantastic. We already have strong ties with India, and they will only get stronger. I’m excited for what’s ahead,” he said.
Cheokas also noted the significance of President Trump’s pro-business stance, saying, “President Trump’s pro-business policies will benefit both the US and Indian economies. The collaboration between our two nations will prosper under President Trump, and PM Modi’s visit is a crucial step in that direction.”
Earlier, during PM Modi’s visit to Paris, he met with US Vice President JD Vance to discuss various issues, including the potential for the US to assist India in diversifying its energy sources through investments in clean and reliable US nuclear technology, according to an official statement.
PM Modi’s visit to the US on February 12-13 comes at the invitation of President Donald Trump, marking the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump began his second term in office.