Washington, D.C.— In a sharp rebuke to recent U.S. diplomatic overtures toward Pakistan, senior Republican Congressman Rich McCormick has drawn a stark contrast between India and Pakistan's economic and strategic value to America. Speaking at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on January 12, McCormick emphasized that India brings not just talent and investments into the United States, but also demonstrates genuine partnership, while Pakistan remains largely disconnected from American economic interests despite its 300 million population.
Key Facts
• Congressman Rich McCormick stated that
• The U.S. slapped India with an additional 25% tariff on January 12, 2026, bringing the total tariff to 50% over India's continued purchase of Russian oil, which the White House claims sustains Moscow's war in Ukraine
• Indian-origin Democratic Congressman Ami Bera confirmed that
McCormick's remarks come at a critical juncture when U.S.-India relations have cooled significantly under Trump's second term. The relationship has been strained over trade disputes, tariff hikes, and Washington's disapproval of New Delhi's continued purchases of discounted Russian oil for economic reasons.
Despite the rising trade tensions, McCormick made a forceful case for why alienating India would be catastrophic for American interests.
India's strategic importance extends far beyond mere investment figures, McCormick explained. The country supplies
not just through exporting skilled professionals but also through the talent it "fills in" within American industries, particularly in technology and innovation sectors.
The congressman acknowledged America's frustration with India's energy choices but credited Prime Minister Modi with acting in his nation's best interest.
McCormick said, showing understanding despite the disagreement.
The economic disparity between India and Pakistan's relationship with America is striking. While U.S. companies have poured billions into Indian enterprises across technology, manufacturing, and services, Pakistan remains largely outside this investment ecosystem, something that underscores its limited appeal as an economic partner.
Meanwhile, Trump recently signaled tougher measures toward Pakistan by halting the processing of immigrant visas for Pakistani citizens, adding another layer to the shifting geopolitical landscape. This move suggests the administration may be rebalancing its South Asia strategy despite earlier warming signals toward Islamabad.
Both McCormick and Bera stressed that despite current frictions over tariffs and trade practices, the strategic logic of U.S.-India partnership remains overwhelming. As Bera noted,
indicating that both countries view their relationship as a long-term counterweight to China's rising influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
McCormick closed his remarks with a light-hearted analogy about fairness in bilateral relations.
The message from prominent Republicans like McCormick is clear: the Trump administration must carefully balance its approach to South Asia and avoid sacrificing the valuable India partnership for short-term diplomatic gains with Pakistan. Both lawmakers indicated that the long-term strategic partnership with India far outweighs temporary disagreements over tariffs and energy purchases.
Do You Know?
India currently has the world's largest diaspora living in the United States, with over 4. 2 million Indian-Americans contributing significantly to the U.S. tech sector, healthcare, and business landscapes.
This human capital flow represents one of America's most valuable yet often underappreciated strategic assets.
Key Terms
• Tariff: A tax imposed on imported goods; the U.S. increased tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over concerns about Russian oil purchases
• Diaspora: A scattered population whose members are dispersed across different countries but maintain cultural connections to their homeland
• Indo-Pacific Region: A strategic geographic area spanning from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, crucial for global geopolitics and a key focus of U.S. foreign policy to balance China's influence
• Russian Oil Trade: India's purchase of discounted crude oil from Russia, which the U.S. views as problematic as it potentially funds Russia's military activities in Ukraine
• Strategic Partnership: A long-term alliance between nations based on shared interests, values, and mutual security concerns rather than short-term transactional relationships
Asia91 Original