Washington: In a significant shift within the Congressional Caucus on India, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna announced that Republican Representative Rich McCormick would be stepping in as co-chair, taking over from Mike Walz, who now serves as National Security Adviser to President Donald Trump. McCormick, who has long supported strengthening ties between the United States and India, is expected to play a key role in advancing the Caucus’s objectives.
Brad Sherman, the former chair of the Caucus, will continue his association in the honorary position of chair emeritus. Meanwhile, Representatives Andy Barr and Marc Veasey will remain as vice co-chairs, continuing their roles in the bipartisan effort to bolster US-India relations.
Strengthening US-India Relations
The primary mission of the Congressional Caucus on India is to enhance bilateral ties between the US and India, focusing on economic, national security, and technological cooperation. According to Khanna, the Caucus now boasts a record 145 members, with 35 new additions during the previous 118th Congress, signaling growing bipartisan interest in US-India relations.
Khanna emphasized the importance of a robust partnership with India for the US’s economic and national security. “Our economic and national security depend on a solid collaboration with India,” Khanna stated. “Continuing to serve as co-chair of the India Caucus and welcoming Rep. Rich McCormick as the new co-chair is an honor. I’m eager to collaborate with Rep. McCormick, who has backed measures to improve ties between the US and India.”
McCormick’s Vision
Representative Rich McCormick expressed his pride in taking on the role of co-chair, highlighting the significant contributions of the Indian American community. “I am honored to co-chair the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans with my good friend Rep. Ro Khanna,” McCormick said. “Serving the many hardworking Indian Americans in my district is a wonderful honor, and I will keep trying to improve our ties with India.”
McCormick also emphasized the importance of the US-India relationship, which he described as rooted in shared values like democracy, economic freedom, and security cooperation. “This diaspora’s commitment, creativity, and talents enhance our community and strengthen the ties that bind our two countries. Let’s work together to uphold the principles of cooperation and opportunity that characterize both India and America,” McCormick added.
Commitment from Vice Co-Chairs
Both Andy Barr and Marc Veasey reiterated their commitment to the Caucus’s mission, emphasizing the growing importance of the US-India partnership in commerce, defense, and technology.
“I am privileged to remain the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans’ vice co-chair,” said Representative Barr. “The common ideals of democracy, economic freedom, and security cooperation form the foundation of the U.S.-India collaboration. To further our shared interests in commerce, technology, and defense, it is imperative that we fortify our partnership.”
Veasey, representing Texas’s 33rd district, home to a large and growing Indian American population, expressed his enthusiasm about continuing his work as vice co-chair. “I’m excited to strengthen the close relationship between India and the United States. Our country has benefited greatly from the contributions of the Indian American diaspora, and I am still dedicated to developing stronger ties that advance our economies and national security,” Veasey said.
Looking Ahead
As the Congressional Caucus on India continues to grow in influence and membership, its focus remains on fostering a stronger partnership between the US and India, with special emphasis on trade, security, and cultural exchange. With the leadership of Ro Khanna and the new co-chair Rich McCormick, the Caucus is poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping US foreign policy towards India and strengthening the ties between the two democracies.
