New Delhi — Retired US Army Colonel and defence expert Douglas MacGregor has urged Washington to reconsider its “with us or against us” approach toward India, stating that New Delhi will not always align with American interests amid ongoing trade negotiations.
Speaking on Saturday during discussions over a potential trade deal, MacGregor criticized President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on Indian goods, imposed in response to India's oil trade with Russia.
Key Facts
• Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods last year in response to New Delhi's oil trade with Moscow
• MacGregor stated on January 31, 2026, that India will not always agree with everything the US says or wants to do
• India is now in active negotiations with Washington to sign a trade deal while also concluding talks with the European Union on a Free Trade Agreement
MacGregor's criticism centers on what he calls a "foolish mentality" in Washington that treats nations as either allies or adversaries based on their economic relationships.
He pointed out that India has conducted more naval exercises with the United States in the Indian Ocean than any other country in the region, yet this strategic partnership is being jeopardized by rigid diplomatic posturing.
The retired colonel emphasized that India has deep historical ties with Russia and maintains a non-aligned stance in global affairs. He noted that geo-strategic challenges, such as border tensions with China, do not automatically translate into military conflicts or the need for unwavering alignment with American interests.
MacGregor argued that productive cooperation should focus on tangible areas like trade, commerce, and security rather than demanding ideological conformity. He stressed that Washington's current approach fails to recognize the complexity of India's strategic position and its legitimate right to maintain diverse international partnerships.
The defence expert highlighted India's crucial role in the Indian Ocean region, where the Indian Navy operates extensively. He suggested that a smart strategy would embrace India's security contributions rather than penalize economic partnerships that serve Indian national interests.
These comments come as Union Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that India is now looking to close trade deals with the United States and other nations following its successful FTA negotiations with the European Union. The ongoing tariff dispute and diplomatic tensions may complicate these negotiations significantly.
MacGregor's intervention represents a significant voice within American defence circles questioning the effectiveness of Trump's tariff-based approach to managing relationships with major strategic partners. His remarks suggest growing concern among foreign policy experts about the long-term consequences of punitive trade measures on India-US relations.
As India navigates these complex negotiations, the resolution of the tariff dispute will likely determine the trajectory of bilateral relations for years to come. Observers are watching closely to see whether Washington recalibrates its approach or maintains its current stance, with significant implications for both nations' strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Do You Know?
India has historically been one of Russia's most reliable allies in international forums, and this relationship predates the Cold War, dating back decades of strategic partnership and military cooperation that continues to influence New Delhi's foreign policy decisions today.
Key Terms
• Tariff: A tax imposed on imported goods; Trump's 50% tariff means Indian products entering the US face a 50% price increase
• Non-aligned: A foreign policy position where nations maintain independence from major power blocs and make decisions based on their own interests
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): A trade deal between countries that reduces or eliminates tariffs and trade barriers to boost commerce
Image from Wikimedia Commons