After Trade Deal, McCormick Says India–US Ties Are Vital for Peace and Prosperity
Washington, DC [US], February 4:
US Congressman and India Caucus Co-chair Rich McCormick has emphasised that following the recently announced trade deal, the India–US strategic partnership is crucial for global “peace and prosperity.” Speaking to ANI after Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent, McCormick highlighted the personal rapport between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, saying their strong relationship underscores Washington’s recognition of New Delhi as a key partner.
Referring to India as the world’s most populous nation and one of the fastest-growing major economies—on track to become the world’s third-largest GDP in the near future—McCormick said cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies could help usher in an “era of peace.” He acknowledged recent misunderstandings on issues such as energy purchases and immigration, but said corrective steps, including a shift from buying Russian oil to sourcing more from the United States, would help “stabilise the world.”
“I know Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have spent time together in the past. I know President Trump likes him very much and understands the significant impact he has on the world’s largest population and one of the fastest-growing economies, which is likely to become the world’s third-largest GDP in the coming years,” McCormick said. “I want India to thrive. I believe bringing together the world’s largest and oldest democracies can help usher in an era of peace. There have been some unfortunate misunderstandings recently—whether about where energy is purchased from or immigration—but as India moves away from buying Russian oil and towards sourcing from the United States, it will once again stabilise the world. Relationships like this are essential for peace and prosperity across the globe.”
McCormick’s remarks followed President Trump’s statement on Monday that the United States and India had “agreed to a trade deal,” with Washington reducing reciprocal tariffs from 25 percent to 18 percent out of “friendship and respect” for Prime Minister Modi. In a post on Truth Social, Trump referenced his conversation with the Indian Prime Minister, calling him one of his closest friends and a powerful, respected leader of India.
The US President also claimed that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil and to buy significantly more from the United States, while India would reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against US goods. “It was an honour to speak with Prime Minister Modi this morning. He is one of my best friends and a powerful, respected leader of his country,” Trump wrote. “Out of friendship and respect for Prime Minister Modi, and at his request, effective immediately, we have agreed to a trade deal under which the United States will impose lower reciprocal tariffs, reducing them from 25% to 18%. India will likewise reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to zero.”
Following Trump’s post, Prime Minister Modi said on X that it was wonderful to speak with his “dear friend President Trump” and expressed happiness that “Made in India products will now face a lower tariff of 18 percent.” “It was great to speak with my dear friend President Trump today. I am delighted that Made in India products will now face a lower tariff of 18%. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I thank President Trump for this landmark announcement,” PM Modi wrote.
On economic cooperation, McCormick said both leaders understand the need to maintain flexibility and independence while recognising the importance of strong trade and defence ties. He expressed optimism about future collaboration in the defence sector, citing India’s progress in manufacturing components, including parts for C-130J aircraft, and said deeper cooperation would benefit industries in both countries.
