Overview
- At CSIS events this week, Republican Rich McCormick cautioned that pushing India away would be “big trouble” for the US and said New Delhi brings investment and talent that Pakistan does not.
- McCormick said the US “hates” India’s purchases of discounted Russian oil but acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi is acting in India’s economic interest; Democrat Ami Bera stressed the US is not building a strategic partnership with Pakistan.
- The Trump administration’s added 25% levy has taken some tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, and negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement remain stalled despite public diplomatic outreach.
- US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor has arrived in New Delhi and says both sides are working to conclude a deal, signaling continued engagement even as frictions over energy and trade persist.
- India is sustaining ties with Russia for fuel and defense needs and is accelerating a derisking strategy that diversifies partners, reserves and procurement to maintain policy independence in a more multipolar order.