Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Dr S.S. Johal on India-US ties: “History Proves it: US Governments have always been hostile to India’’
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 1, 2025 – Renowned economist Dr. S.S. Johal has said that while the American people have generally held a soft corner for India, successive U.S. governments have historically maintained a hostile stance towards the country.
Recalling the wars of the past, Dr. Johal noted that in the 1965 war, Pakistan used U.S.-supplied Sabre fighter planes and Patton tanks against India. Again, during the 1971 war, the United States sent its largest naval vessel to the Bay of Bengal—a move that was eventually withdrawn after a strong warning from the Soviet Union.
According to him, this pattern has continued over the decades, with Pakistan repeatedly used as a proxy to undermine India. He pointed out that despite backing Pakistan militarily, neither the U.S. nor China has ever provided genuine developmental or financial support to the country, forcing it instead into IMF bailouts under harsh conditions.
Dr. Johal further remarked that even in more recent times,U.S. President Donald Trump openly sided with Pakistan, including by inviting its Army Chief for lunch while ignoring its elected leadership. Trump, he said, has now launched “Operation Isolate India,” a move opposed by large sections of the American public and even questioned by a U.S. federal court.
Emphasizing India’s present strength compared to the 1970s, Dr. Johal suggested that India should respond firmly, just as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi once did. He underlined that India’s current foreign policy of engaging with Russia, Japan, China, and other nations is on the right track, and any abandonment of traditional partners like Russia would be detrimental.
Dr. Johal concluded that India must remain cautious and strategic, treating Trump’s moves as politically motivated while recognizing that the majority of Americans continue to support India.