He accused China of subsidising industries, manipulating currency, and engaging in exploitative practices in Africa and other regions. In contrast, he argued, India offers a more transparent and fair alternative. “You’ll see the rise of India, and we’ll be able to hopefully turn to a country that’s very friendly to produce similar products that China right now has the corner on,” he said.
McCormick, a strong advocate of free trade, emphasised the economic disparity between the US and India but maintained that trade relations should remain fair and open. “You’re gonna have a $27 trillion economy in the United States, you have less than five in India. So it’s not fair to assume that India is going to buy the same amount that we’re going to consume,” he said.
However, he stressed that as long as India does not impose unfair tariffs, the US should reciprocate by maintaining a balanced trade relationship.
He also noted that President Donald Trump had refrained from negative rhetoric toward Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recognising the importance of strong US-India ties
Discussing defense cooperation, McCormick addressed ongoing price negotiations for the manufacturing of GE 414 engines in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He noted that price adjustments are a standard part of business negotiations but acknowledged inefficiencies in the US military procurement system.
Praising India’s technological capabilities, he pointed to the country’s success in space exploration. “India has proven that they’re very good at technologies… to put a spaceship on the dark side of the Moon for less than $100 million—are you kidding me? We never see that in America.”
He suggested that India’s efficiency in innovation could make it a strong competitor to China in global markets.McCormick advocated for deepening economic and strategic ties with India, including potentially granting it “most favoured nation” trade status. He also pointed to geopolitical tensions between India and China, emphasising the need for the US to be clear about its alliances.
“Making sure that we’re very clear about who our friends and who our enemies are—we can see this in Palestine, we can see this in Ukraine, we can see this wherever our interests are served. India can be a good friend.”
Beyond trade and defense, McCormick also discussed immigration policy, arguing for a more strategic approach to legal immigration that prioritises skilled workers. He proposed eliminating the 7% cap on certain visa categories to accommodate highly skilled Indian workers who contribute to the US economy.
“We need more people in hotels, we need more people in healthcare, we need more people in IT, we need more people in the military, we need more people in agriculture,” he said, citing the size of the US economy and its demand for skilled labour.
McCormick reiterated the importance of fostering stronger US-India relations, particularly as China’s economic model faces growing scrutiny. With India’s expanding technological capabilities and its alignment with democratic values, he sees the country as a crucial partner in shaping a more balanced global economic landscape.
Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Project at the Wilson Center, noted that while flashy deals are unlikely, PM Modi could negotiate tariff reductions and increased energy imports from the US. He also highlighted immigration as a potential sticking point.
Richard Rossow, Senior Adviser at CSIS, echoed the sentiment, saying a “limited trade deal” was possible and that the US had indicated India would be a priority. However, he cautioned that the price of the GE-414 engine deal and technology transfer issues could pose challenges.
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