US Finance Minister’s Absurd Remarks Target India Over Russian Oil Purchases
The United States is once again making headlines with controversial statements regarding India’s energy policies. Recently, US Finance Minister Scott Bessant made a strikingly absurd claim, stating that India is “doing wrong” by continuing to purchase Russian oil. He warned that if such actions continue, the United States and its allies may eventually feel compelled to intervene.
This latest remark comes in the wake of growing frustration among American officials following the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting. American leaders appear upset by the evolving global dynamics, which is reflected in increasingly baseless and provocative statements directed at India. Earlier, former US trade advisor Peter Navarro criticized India’s energy choices, and now Finance Minister Scott Bessant has joined the chorus, making sweeping allegations without providing substantive evidence.
Ongoing Criticism Over India-Russia Oil Trade
Bessant specifically accused India of continuing to purchase crude oil from Russia, suggesting that these transactions are indirectly funding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to local media, he claimed that India’s purchases are helping to “fuel Russia’s war machine” and implied that such behavior is contrary to global expectations. He added that America and its allies might eventually have to step in if India does not alter its stance.
SCO Meeting Labeled a ‘Sham’
In an interview with Fox News, Bessant also commented on the SCO meeting held recently in China. He described the meeting as largely pre-planned and, in his words, “a sham to a large extent.” According to him, the organization’s hierarchy seemed to favor India, China, and Russia, with India—despite being the world’s largest democracy—expected to align closer with Western values. He stated, “All of them are doing wrong. India is fueling Russia’s war machine, and so is China. At some point, the US and its allies may have to intervene.”
Bessant further elaborated that India’s actions, including buying, refining, and selling Russian oil, contribute to financing Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. He hinted that the Trump administration had been considering stricter sanctions on Russia and suggested that similar measures might be contemplated again.
Call for Improved US-India Relations
Despite his criticism, Bessant expressed a hope that tensions between the US and India could be resolved. He emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between the two nations.
In the same interview, he defended the reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States on Indian goods. He argued, “India sells us a massive amount of goods, and we are one of their biggest customers, yet we sell very little to them. This imbalance has persisted for decades. Indian tariffs are higher than almost any other country’s, which prevents American businesses from effectively accessing their market. It has been a completely one-sided relationship.”
While Bessant’s comments highlight ongoing economic and geopolitical tensions, many observers have criticized them as exaggerated and lacking nuance. India continues to maintain its independent foreign and energy policies, even amid mounting international pressure.
