Washington DC [US], August 13 (ANI): US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday (local time) said India has been headstrong in trade negotiations with the United States, describing New Delhi as “a bit recalcitrant,” just days after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 percent tariff, citing India’s oil purchases from Russia.
Speaking to Fox Business Network’s Kudlow, Bessent noted that there were still some “big trade deals” yet to be finalized, including those with Switzerland and India, while expressing hope that tariff negotiations could be concluded by October.
“There are big trade deals that aren’t done and aren’t agreed. Switzerland is still around; India has been a bit recalcitrant. I think we have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries,” Bessent stated.
“That’s aspirational. I think we’re in a good position,” he added when asked about the possibility of concluding tariff negotiations by October.
On August 6, Trump signed an Executive Order imposing an additional 25 percent tariff on imports from India in response to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil, raising the total tariff to 50 percent.
According to the order issued by the White House, Trump cited national security and foreign policy concerns, as well as other relevant trade laws, claiming that India’s imports of Russian oil, directly or indirectly, pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States. The additional tariffs are set to take effect on August 27.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) criticized the US move, calling it “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” and stated that New Delhi would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”
The announcement came shortly after Trump implemented a 25 percent reciprocal tariff on India, which took effect on August 7.
Meanwhile, Trump had previously stated there would be no trade negotiations with India until the tariff dispute was resolved. When pressed by ANI at the Oval Office on whether talks could resume in light of the new 50 percent tariff, he said, “No, not until we get it resolved.”
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