India ‘Recalcitrant’ in Trade Talks, Says U.S. Treasury
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described India as “a bit recalcitrant” in ongoing trade negotiations with Washington. He said that while the United States has made progress with several trading partners, including Switzerland, discussions with India have been slow to advance. Bessent noted that the U.S. aims to finalize substantial agreements with all major partners and expressed optimism that a deal with India could still be reached by the end of October, though he admitted the timeline was ambitious.
Tariffs and Economic Tensions
The comments come at a time of heightened economic strain between the two countries. The U.S. recently imposed tariffs of up to 50 percent on certain Indian exports, a move linked to India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian oil. Washington has argued that such imports undermine the effectiveness of sanctions on Moscow. India has defended its position, citing national energy security and economic needs, while continuing to seek alternative trade avenues to offset U.S. pressure.
Broader Trade Context
Trade negotiations have been further complicated by differences on market access, digital trade rules, and intellectual property protections. Despite these challenges, Bessent stressed that Washington still values India as a strategic economic partner and wants to expand bilateral trade ties in areas like technology, clean energy, and manufacturing. Analysts believe that while the rhetoric signals frustration, both sides are likely to keep negotiations alive given the scale of mutual trade benefits. The outcome over the next few months could determine whether U.S.–India trade relations enter a new phase of cooperation or prolonged dispute.
