The latest remarks from the United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have stirred significant debate in diplomatic and trade circles, as he openly called India a “bad actor” over its continued oil imports from Russia. Speaking in the backdrop of intensifying trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi, Bessent both expressed optimism for stronger bilateral ties and issued stern warnings on India’s energy and trade policies. His statement comes as President Donald Trump escalates pressure on India through punitive tariffs while also downplaying the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit.

US calls India a “bad actor” over Russian oil

In an interview with Fox News, Bessent criticized India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil, claiming that by refining and reselling it, India is indirectly helping to fund Russia’s war against Ukraine. He stated, “In this case, India hasn’t been acting responsibly. Buying Russian oil and profiting from it is essentially helping to fund the war.”

This criticism adds to the growing strain on India-US relations, as Washington has long pressed New Delhi to reduce dependence on Russian energy supplies. While the United States and its European allies have imposed heavy sanctions on Moscow, India has significantly ramped up its oil purchases, citing its national energy needs and economic priorities.

Bessent’s words also aligned with Trump’s more aggressive stance, as he called both India and China “bad actors” fueling Russia’s war machine. He warned that at some stage, the US and its allies may be forced to step up actions against nations indirectly supporting Moscow.

SCO Summit dismissed as symbolic

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where Prime Minister Modi recently met Russian President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, Bessent attempted to downplay its strategic weight. “This was a routine meeting, and I think it’s mostly symbolic,” he said. According to him, despite participating in the SCO framework, India’s democratic values are far more aligned with the United States than with Russia or China.

This perspective reflects Washington’s attempt to keep New Delhi within its strategic orbit, even as India balances its foreign policy through multi-alignment.

Trump’s tariff war with India intensifies

Beyond geopolitics, economic tensions remain high. Trump has repeatedly criticized India for its high trade tariffs and restrictive market policies, calling the imbalance a “one-sided disaster.” He accused India of profiting from exports to the United States while blocking American businesses from fair access to the Indian market.

In retaliation, the US government slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, later increasing it to 50% after India refused to cut oil imports from Russia. Bessent clarified that the decision stemmed not only from energy policy disputes but also from slow progress in trade negotiations.

For India, this escalation represents a serious challenge to its export-driven industries, particularly in sectors such as textiles, IT services, and pharmaceuticals, which heavily depend on US markets.

Future sanctions on Russia and implications for India

The Treasury Secretary also signaled that Washington is considering new sanctions against Russia, particularly as the Ukraine conflict continues to escalate. “Everything is being considered,” Bessent remarked, holding President Vladimir Putin responsible for blocking peace efforts.

If such sanctions expand to cover countries indirectly aiding Russia, India may find itself under further scrutiny. However, analysts argue that India’s balancing act between its longstanding defense ties with Moscow and growing strategic partnership with Washington will remain central to its foreign policy approach.

Balancing cooperation and conflict

Despite harsh words and rising tariffs, Bessent emphasized that there is still a strong foundation for cooperation between Washington and New Delhi. The US views India as a crucial ally in the Indo-Pacific, particularly as both nations counterbalance China’s growing influence.

Experts suggest that while trade disputes and energy concerns may create friction, the strategic partnership between India and the US is unlikely to unravel completely. Instead, both countries may continue negotiating while protecting their core interests.

Conclusion

The latest US statements illustrate the complex interplay between trade, geopolitics, and energy security in India-US relations. While Washington pressures India to distance itself from Russia, New Delhi continues to pursue an independent foreign policy rooted in national interest. As the tariff war escalates and accusations of being a “bad actor” gain traction, the coming months will be critical in shaping how India manages its delicate balance between global powers.

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