The United States has expressed disappointment with India, stating that Delhi has failed to present itself as a responsible global actor.
Tension between the US and India have escalated following President Donald Trump slapped 25% tariff on imports from India and penalty for doing business with Russia.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s interview with US broadcaster CNBC rubbed salt in India’s wounds when he said “they have not been a great global actor,” a reference to India’s role in global energy markets and geopolitics.
Secretary Bessent came down hard on India for purchasing crude from Russia, refining it, and reselling it — a move that goes against the expectations of the international community.
He stated that it showed India’s failure in portraying itself as a responsible global actor as its conduct has cast uncertainty over its trade relations with the US.
The secretary mentioned that President Trump and his entire team “are deeply disappointed by India’s current decisions.”
“Future trade agreements will depend on India’s behavior,” he added.
President Trump had on July 14 warned countries buying oil from Russia, stating that they would face a 100% tariff. Following this, India’s state-owned oil refineries temporarily halted purchase from Russia.
India is the world’s third-largest importer of oil and the biggest buyer of Russian seaborne crude oil.
FIGHTER JETS DEAL
According to a Bloomberg report, following President Trump’s announcement of a 25% tariff on imports, the Indian government has informed the US that it is “not interested” in purchasing F-35 stealth fighter jets.
The report stated that while the Indian government is considering increasing its purchase of certain goods from the US to appease President Trump, this does not include F-35 fighter jets or other defense equipment.
It may be recalled that during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the White House earlier this year, President Trump had offered him to sell fifth-generation fighter jets. Modi had promised at the time to consider the offer.
The report revealed that India is not in a position to take immediate retaliatory measures against the Trump tariffs and did not wish to antagonize the US. India is keen to continue bilateral trade talks with the US.
