India ‘recalcitrant’ in trade talks amid tariff dispute, says US Treasury Secretary Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Tuesday said India has been “a bit recalcitrant” in its trade negotiations with Washington, days after President Donald Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports over New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil.

In an interview with Fox Business Network’s Kudlow, Bessent said several major trade agreements remain unfinished, naming Switzerland and India among them. “There are big trade deals that aren’t done and aren’t agreed. Switzerland is still around; India has been a bit recalcitrant. I think we have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries,” ANI quoted him as saying. On the possibility of concluding tariff talks by October, Bessent added, “That’s aspirational. I think we’re in a good position.”

On August 6, Trump signed an executive order imposing the additional 25% levy, raising the total tariff on Indian goods to 50%. The order cited national security and foreign policy concerns, claiming India’s direct or indirect imports of Russian oil posed “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to the United States. The new tariff will take effect on August 27.


India’s Ministry of External Affairs termed the move “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” and said New Delhi would take “all actions necessary to protect its national interests.”

Trump has previously stated there would be no trade negotiations with India until the tariff dispute is resolved. Asked at the Oval Office whether talks could resume despite the new 50% tariff, he replied, “No, not until we get it resolved.”

(With inputs from ANI)