US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised India for delaying progress in trade negotiations, accusing of “slow-rolling” discussions. Bessent claimed that this move has frustrated the entire US trade team, including President Donald Trump.

In an interview with CNBC, Bessent said, “India came to the table early, they have been slow rolling things, the president and the whole trade team is a bit frustrated with them.” He further added that India’s growing imports of Russian oil and its resale of refined products have also raised concerns in Washington. “They have not been a great global actor,” Bessent said. As a result, the US has not only imposed 25% tariffs on Indian imports, effective August 1, but also announced an additional “penalty” tied to India’s trade relationship with Russia.

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Will there be a negotiation over tariffs?

When asked about the possibility of reviving talks before the tariff deadline, Bessent made it clear, “It will be up to India,” indicating that Washington expects New Delhi to make the next move. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal addressed the issue in Parliament, assuring that the government is closely assessing the potential impact and will take all necessary steps to protect India’s national interest.

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Trump’s tariff announcement

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods, accusing India of having the “most strenuous and obnoxious non-monetary trade barriers of any country”. Trump on Truth Social wrote, “Remember, while India is our friend, we have, over the years, done relatively little business with them because their tariffs are far too high, among the highest in the world, and they have the most strenuous and obnoxious non‑monetary trade barriers of any country. Also, they have always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia and are Russia’s largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to STOP THE KILLING IN UKRAINE all things not good! India will therefore be paying a tariff of 25%, plus a penalty for the above, starting on August first. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAGA.”