Trump upset over India–EU trade deal, United States advises Europe on Russia link
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union has triggered visible displeasure in the United States. Even before the formal announcement of the deal, the US has warned Europe, alleging that moving ahead with an FTA with India indirectly provides financial support to the Russia–Ukraine war.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that although European countries have reduced direct purchases of crude oil from Russia, they are now preparing to buy refined petroleum products processed in India using Russian crude. According to him, this is economically benefiting Russia and indirectly supporting the ongoing conflict.
Bessent’s remarks come at a time when India and the European Union have finalized long-pending FTA negotiations, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday.
US claims imbalance in sacrifices
The US Treasury Secretary described the situation as an “imbalance of sacrifice” among America and its allied nations. He said that while the United States is taking strict measures to weaken Russia’s energy trade, Europe is taking advantage of loopholes in the global oil market.
It is noteworthy that the Donald Trump administration has imposed a total of 50 percent tariffs on India, including an additional 25 percent tariff linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.
‘Europe funding war against itself’
Scott Bessent claimed that President Donald Trump is making continuous efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict. He added that the United States has made far greater economic and political sacrifices during the war compared to Europe.
Speaking on ABC News’ Sunday program, Bessent said, “We imposed a 25 percent tariff on India for buying Russian oil. And what happened last week? Europe signed a trade deal with India. Russian oil goes to India, gets refined, and those products are then bought by Europe. In this way, Europe is funding a war being fought against itself.”