'Global Waystation': US Sees India As Primary 'Off-Ramp' From China, Signals Trade Chief Greer

Last Updated:February 11, 2026, 04:37 IST

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer positions India as key alternative to China, provided trade remains a 'two-way street' for American workers and exports

The global trade map is currently undergoing a structural realignment as the United States intensifies its efforts to decouple critical supply chains from China. In an interview with Fox News, US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer provided a nuanced perspective on India’s role in this transition. While Greer reaffirmed the “America First" doctrine, prioritising domestic manufacturing and the security of the American worker, he identified India as a significant “waystation" for companies seeking to exit the Chinese market. This characterisation suggests that while Washington’s primary goal is “near-shoring" or returning production to US soil, India represents a vital secondary hub for diversifying global production.

Greer acknowledged that the shift away from hyper-globalisation is a complex process that presents numerous challenges for the American economy. However, he noted that many corporations are already actively moving in this direction, seeking a more resilient and secure economic framework. India’s appeal in this strategic pivot is its vast human capital and its burgeoning manufacturing capacity. With a workforce that is increasingly integrated into the global tech and hardware sectors, India offers a scale of production that few other nations can replicate. Greer’s comments reflect a growing consensus in Washington that a secure supply chain cannot be overly reliant on a single, often adversarial, geopolitical actor.

However, the ambassador was careful to frame this partnership with a caveat of reciprocity. He emphasised that while India is a “good source" for imports, the relationship must remain balanced and fair. This echoes the broader trade policy of the Donald Trump administration, which has consistently pushed for reduced trade deficits and greater market access for American goods in exchange for entry into the US consumer market. The term “waystation" implies that India is viewed as a critical node in a larger journey toward economic resilience—one that provides the necessary infrastructure and labour while the US continues to rebuild its own industrial base.

The context of these remarks is particularly relevant following recent bilateral trade discussions and the implementation of strategic tariffs aimed at protecting domestic industries. As American companies look to de-risk, the Indian government’s “Make in India" initiative and various Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes have aligned well with the US desire for alternative manufacturing hubs. Ultimately, say observers, Greer’s statements signal a pragmatic approach: a preference for American-made products, supplemented by a “China Plus One" strategy where India serves as a preferred, albeit strictly regulated, partner in the pursuit of a more secure global economy.

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