America's sensational comments on the India-European Union trade agreement

Following the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made notable remarks on global trade and energy dynamics.

He stated that the United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on India for purchasing Russian oil. However, he pointed out that despite these measures, the European Union moved ahead with a trade agreement with India. According to Bessent, Russian crude oil is first sent to India, where it is refined and later exported as finished petroleum products to European countries. He argued that this process indirectly results in European nations funding Russia.

Bessent also expressed confidence that under the leadership of Donald Trump, efforts are underway to bring the Russia–Ukraine conflict to an end. He claimed that the United States has made greater sacrifices than European countries in addressing the war, though he did not specify the nature of those sacrifices.

Meanwhile, Bessent hinted that the tariffs imposed on India could be reduced in the future. He noted that India has significantly cut down its purchases of Russian oil, calling it a major achievement. While tariffs related to oil remain in place for now, he suggested there could be a pathway toward removing them.

Separately, India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agarwal confirmed that negotiations on the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement have been successfully concluded. He said the agreement would help expand bilateral trade and strengthen economic ties, adding that from India’s perspective, the deal is balanced and forward-looking.