US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the India-US partnership as “very complicated,” while expressing optimism that both countries would “eventually come together.” His remarks came shortly after Washington imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, a move aimed at penalizing New Delhi for continuing to buy Russian oil.
Bessent argued that the US holds an advantage in the stalled trade negotiations, accusing India of “profiteering” from Russian energy and dragging its feet on trade discussions. Despite these frustrations, he stressed the importance of the relationship, noting that India remains the world’s largest democracy while the US is the world’s largest economy.
While acknowledging ongoing tensions over both trade and Russia, Bessent pointed to strong personal ties between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a stabilizing factor. He admitted disappointment over the lack of progress, saying he had expected India to be one of the first countries with which Washington would finalize a trade agreement.
