US Representative Rich McCormick has warned that the United States could face “big trouble” if it pushes India away. Speaking at a discussion in Washington DC, he said the US and India together have the power to create peace and prosperity that could last for the next 100 years, if the relationship is handled wisely.
"If America embraces Indians as friends, we will have peace and prosperity. If we alienate them, it is going to be big trouble for all of us," says US Congressman Rich McCormick at CSIS pic.twitter.com/AmWFWjb64N
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) January 16, 2026
He made it clear that alienating India would not just hurt India, but the United States and the world as well. “If America embraces Indians as friends, we will have peace and prosperity. If we alienate them, it is going to be a big trouble for all of us,” he said, stressing that the US still has a leadership role to play globally.
Fear of influence from China and Russia
McCormick cautioned that if both the US and India are pulled in different directions by China and Russia, the result could be “devastating” for their partnership and for global stability. He said countries must stay alert and work together instead of drifting apart.
The remarks were made alongside Democratic Congressman Ami Bera during a fireside chat hosted at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on January 12. Both lawmakers agreed that India has been a strong and reliable partner of the United States across many administrations.
Bera said India plays a key role in the US Indo-Pacific strategy and noted that, as the world’s largest democracy, India continues to grow steadily. He added that the US and India are “aligned” in seeing China as an “adversary”.
McCormick described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “extremely nationalistic”, but in a positive way. “He’s looking after his country just like we look after our country,” he said. According to McCormick, Modi’s focus is on improving productivity, growing the economy, advancing technology, and strengthening India’s own military power.
Russia oil and India’s national interest
On India buying discounted oil from Russia, McCormick admitted that it “frustrates” the United States. Still, he said he understands why India is doing it. “We hate that, but he’s doing it for the best interest of his country, so he can expand his economy with cheap energy,” he said, adding that there are strong economic reasons behind India’s choices.
McCormick claimed India’s “unique ability” because of its population of about 1.4 billion people. “Talent really matters,” he said, pointing out that India supplies skilled workers to countries around the world and remains a major source of global talent.
Trade, tariffs, and shared growth
On trade, McCormick said he believes tariffs slow down growth. “I’m a fair-trade guy… tariffs are antithetical to capital growth,” he said. He added that if India and the US grow together in a “synergistic relationship”, both countries will benefit.
Talking about the Russia–Ukraine war, Bera said India can play a “constructive role” in finding a solution. He questioned what Russia’s future would look like after the conflict and warned that total isolation may not help. He said this is a moment where India can show its global diplomatic strength.
AI, immigration, and the future workforce
Both lawmakers agreed that artificial intelligence will change everything. Bera said the US and India should work closely on AI while managing its risks. On immigration, McCormick criticised the US system as outdated. “It is absolutely paramount the United States gets away from the antiquated immigration system we have,” he said, pointing out the strong need for Indian talent in technology.
He also acknowledged that AI may replace many entry-level jobs in the future. He said frustration over H-1B visas exists on both sides of the political aisle. “There’s two things Americans hate,” he joked. “We hate the way things are, and we hate change.”
‘I have no forgiveness or compassion in my heart for them’
MAGA responded to the comment quickly. A user noted, “I will forever inflict the maximum amount of cruelty legally possible on Indian people. I have no forgiveness or compassion in my heart for them.”
Another added, “Friendship can’t be conditional. You don’t build peace and prosperity by penalizing compliance and rewarding defiance. India has been treated less like a friend and more like leverage.”
“He should tell that to his boss who has an extremely fragile ego,” noted another user. “This gentleman has been one of lobby member on India behalf in US. Getting paid well,” claimed a user.