US Official Slams Europe Over India-EU Trade Deal
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he is “very disappointed” with European countries over the recently finalised India-European Union free trade agreement, arguing that the deal reflects European priorities on trade at the expense of broader geopolitical concerns.
Concerns Over Ukraine Policy
Bessent said the European approach to the trade pact showed a focus on economic gains rather than maintaining pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, suggesting that the EU’s actions could undermine Western unity on sanctions and collective policy. He linked the issue to European purchases of products tied to Russian energy trade and said this contradicted public support for Ukraine.
Broader Trade Frictions
The criticism comes amid ongoing shifts in global trade relations, including earlier US tariff actions on Indian goods and wider negotiations between Washington and other partners. Bessent’s comments reflect friction between US policy priorities and European economic strategies as major economies negotiate their own agreements.
Impact on Western Alliance
While countries are free to pursue trade agreements, Bessent’s remarks underline tensions within the Western alliance over how to balance economic interests with geopolitical solidarity — particularly in response to Russia’s actions in Eastern Europe.
