Strengthening the US- India Partnership

By R Anil Kumar

Washington DC. US Representative Rich McCormick, co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, has said the United States and India have the potential to “usher” in a new generation of peace that could last a Century, if the relationship is managed in the right way.

He cautioned, however, that if both countries are influenced by Russia and China, it would be “devastating” for the future of the India–US relationship and for global stability.

Republican Rep. McCormick made the remarks alongside Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, an Indian American, during a Fireside Chat hosted by Richard Rossow, chair on India and Emerging Asia Economics, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), in Washington DC.

Rep. Bera noted that India has been a key partner of the United States across successive administrations, particularly in advancing the Indo-Pacific strategy.  He said India, as the world’s largest democracy, continues to make steady progress as its economy rises. He added that the United States and India are “aligned” in viewing China as an “adversary.”

Rep. McCormick described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “extremely nationalistic” in a positive sense. “I mean, he’s looking after his country just like we look after our country,” he said, adding that Modi seeks to boost productivity, expansion, and technological growth within India, while also strengthening domestic military capacity.

Addressing India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, a move that he acknowledged “frustrates” the United States, Rep. McCormick said, “We hate that, but he’s [PM Modi] doing it for the best interest of his country, so he can expand his economy with cheap energy.”

He added that there are strong economic reasons why Modi is “going to do what he’s going to do,” while also recognizing the importance of the US–India relationship. He said the two nations are “like minded” and “collaborate” across several areas.

Rep. McCormick highlighted India’s “unique ability” stemming from its population of 1.4 billion people, emphasizing that population size still matters. “Talent really matters,” he said, noting that India continues to supply a significant amount of talent globally.

Rep. Bera recalled his visit to India last September, at a time when the United States had imposed 50 percent tariffs and concerns over H-1B visas were prominent. He said Indian business leaders understood the nuances surrounding tariffs but stressed that the United States is not pursuing a strategic partnership with Pakistan. “You don’t see American countries making multi-billion-dollar investments in Pakistan. That’s all happening in India…”

Echoing Bera’s views, Rep. McCormick said that Pakistan, with a population of nearly 300 million, does not attract comparable investment. “India is not only taking investment and also giving investment,” he said, adding that India’s growth and its emergence as a dominant player in multiple regions is commendable.

Rep. Bera identified the Quad as “foundationally important” from both economic and geopolitical security perspectives. “I think that increasingly will take on a bigger role,” he said, adding that one reason it is significant is that Beijing opposes it.

He recommended greater engagement at the legislative level among Quad nations, including visits by parliamentarians to strengthen long-term ties. He noted that administrations last four or eight years, while he himself is in his 14th year in Congress. “So those relationships amongst legislators are incredibly important, because then we can play the long game. We can’t work through these issues,” he said.

On trade policy, Rep. McCormick said, “I’m a fair-trade guy. I’m actually a guy who believes that tariffs are antithetical to capital growth…” He added, “When we talk about relationship to India, their ability to thrive is the same as ours. If we have a synergistic relationship, you’ll see this amazing opportunity for both countries.”

Rep. Bera also described himself as a “free trade, fair trade individual,” adding, “I think it’s important that we get that trade deal…”

Discussing the Russia–Ukraine conflict, Rep. Bera said, “India can play a constructive role” in achieving a resolution. He raised questions about Russia’s future after the conflict, asking whether President Vladimir Putin would be forgiven and warning that continued isolation could be detrimental. He said this is where India can be “extremely instrumental,” calling it a moment to test India’s global diplomatic capabilities.

Both lawmakers agreed that “AI is going to be a transformational technology.” Rep. Bera said the United States and India should work closely to advance AI while addressing the challenges that will emerge.

On immigration, Rep. McCormick said it is “absolutely paramount the United States gets away from the antiquated immigration system we have.” He noted shortages of immigrants in certain sectors and said demand fluctuates based on policy changes. “We need a tremendous amount of talent from India on tech,” he said, while also acknowledging that AI is likely to replace many entry-level jobs.

He described visa policy as a bipartisan concern, noting that both Democrats and Republicans are frustrated with the H-1B process.

“There’s two things Americans hate,” he said. “We hate the way things are, and we hate change.” He added that education, health care, and debt are the three issues most likely to constrain the country’s future, warning that focusing solely on problems rather than solutions is not productive.

Rep. Bera said members of the Indian diaspora born and raised in the United States increasingly recognize that they have a seat at the table. He noted that immigrants often focus on building businesses and communities quietly, without drawing attention, and said that evolution is occurring naturally. “We’re an incredibly diverse group of individuals,” he said, encouraging greater civic engagement and urging the diaspora to come together as it did in support of the Civil Nuclear Deal in 2008.

(With Inputs from a Chat at Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC)