India Faces Backlash from U.S. for Buying Russian Oil, Failing Global Expectations

Washington: The U.S. Treasury Secretary has said that India has failed to present itself as a country playing a global leadership role. The Trump administration is disappointed with the Modi government over the issue of purchasing oil from Russia.

In a recent interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that India buys oil from Russia and then sells it as refined oil. According to him, India has not demonstrated the conduct expected from a country with global ambitions.

He added that U.S. President Donald Trump and the entire administration are disappointed with India.

He stated that he doesn’t know what will happen with the trade agreement with India—it all depends on India’s attitude.

It is worth noting that President Trump had warned on July 14 that countries purchasing oil from Russia would face a 100% tariff. Following this, India’s state-owned oil refineries temporarily halted the purchase of Russian oil.

According to reports, India is the world’s third-largest importer of oil and also the biggest buyer of Russian seaborne crude oil.

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