Trump Aide Calls India ‘Not A Great Actor’, Then Says ‘Two Great Countries’ Will Solve Trade Row

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 08:28 IST

Bessent also pointed to slow-moving trade talks between Washington and New Delhi as an added factor in the Trump administration’s decision to raise tariffs

File photo of US Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent. (AFP)

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in an interview, addressed the state of US-India relations in the wake of new tariffs imposed by Washington. The measures were introduced after India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian oil, which the White House argues is helping to finance Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

During an interview with Fox News, when asked about the trajectory of ties with New Delhi, Bessent acknowledged the strains but said the partnership remained vital. “This is a longstanding meeting, it’s called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and I think it’s largely performative," Bessent remarked, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s presence alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the ongoing summit in Tianjin.

“At the end of the day, India is the most populous democracy in the world. Their values are much closer to ours and to China’s than to Russia’s," he said. “Two great countries will get this solved. But the Indians have not been great actors in terms of buying Russian oil and then reselling it, financing the Russian war effort in Ukraine."

Bessent also pointed to slow-moving trade talks between Washington and New Delhi as an added factor in the Trump administration’s decision to raise tariffs, even as he stressed confidence that the differences could eventually be resolved.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi’s participation at the SCO Summit has drawn global attention as he engages with Putin and Xi on regional cooperation, energy security, and multipolarity. While the meeting has been described as “largely performative" by Bessent, observers note that the optics of India’s balancing act, deepening cooperation with Russia and China even amid strained ties with the US, carry weight in the current geopolitical situation.

Bessent On More Sanctions To Russia

Targeting Russia, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that “all options are on the table" as the Trump administration weighs further sanctions on Russia over its intensifying war in Ukraine, even as President Donald Trump continues to pursue a negotiated peace.

In an interview with Fox News, Bessent accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of ramping up airstrikes despite signals in recent meetings that he was open to talks. “Since the historic meeting in Anchorage… Putin has failed to follow through on what he indicated he wanted to do. As a matter of fact, he has, in a despicable manner, increased the bombing campaign," Bessent said. “With President Trump, all options are on the table, and I think we’ll be examining those very closely this week."

News world Trump Aide Calls India ‘Not A Great Actor’, Then Says ‘Two Great Countries’ Will Solve Trade Row

Read More