US lawmakers highlighted India’s significance beyond being a defense buyer, focusing on its role as a crucial partner in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and Indo-Pacific security. Representative Rich McCormick stressed the importance of not restricting India’s access to advanced technologies, warning of potential negative consequences for the US. He emphasized the strategic value of aligning India with US technology standards to prevent other countries from setting global norms.
Indian American Representative Ami Bera underscored the transformative nature of AI, calling for close collaboration between the United States and India to advance this technology and address emerging challenges. Bera also advocated for cooperation in healthcare, global development, and the reevaluation of visa policies to facilitate mobility for high-skilled workers. Both lawmakers linked technological collaboration to strengthening defense ties, citing positive trends in defense-to-defense relations, including co-production and joint exercises.
McCormick highlighted India’s pursuit of defense self-reliance, noting Prime Minister Modi’s goal of achieving independence as a defense contractor with a focus on domestic ownership. He urged the modernization of US defense systems, criticizing outdated technologies in the defense industry. The lawmakers expressed strong support for the QUAD grouping, emphasizing its strategic importance, particularly in countering opposition from Beijing.
They also recognized the strategic value of people-to-people ties, with McCormick acknowledging the significant presence of Indian talent in the US and the potential competitive advantage of retaining this talent. Bera noted the evolving talent flows between India and the US, driven by the rapid growth of the Indian domestic market. The discussion extended to energy and data infrastructure, with McCormick emphasizing the need for nuclear power to support data centers and AI, while Bera highlighted India’s challenges with water and energy resources, suggesting opportunities for collaboration in desalination and civil nuclear technology.
Both lawmakers emphasized that collaboration with India enhances US global competitiveness, stressing the mutual benefits of the partnership.
