"AUKUS does not include India right now but I would love to see it expand": American lawmaker ahead of PM Modi's visit

Washington DC (US), February 12 (ANI): US Congressman and co-chair of the India Caucus, Rich McCormick, spoke about the growing relationship between India and the US, expressing strong support for increased cooperation between the two nations.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, McCormick spoke about India's growing importance as a strategic ally, discussing trade, global issues, and the potential expansion of the AUKUS pact - a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
McCormick commented on the AUKUS pact, stating, "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 the trade relationship between the two countries, noting that, "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."
McCormick highlighted the importance of discussing global issues, saying, "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 problems...As India expands their 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."
Reflecting on India's potential, McCormick added, "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, Michael Cheokas, Georgia State Representative, also praised PM Modi's upcoming visit. He said, "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 added that President Trump's pro-business stance would benefit both economies, saying, "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 paris visit we met with Vice President JD Vance, where they discussed topics of mutual interest, including how the United States can assist India in diversifying its energy sourcing through investments in clean, "reliable" US nuclear technology, confirmed an official
PM Modi will visit the US on February 12-13 at the invitation of US President Donald Trump. This will be the first meeting between the two leaders since President Trump assumed office for his second term. (ANI)