Has India Betrayed Global Trust? U.S. Slams New Delhi Over Russian Oil Trade

The Trump administration has openly expressed its disappointment over India’s ongoing purchase of crude oil from Russia. In an interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized India for buying Russian oil, refining it, and then selling it on the international market — an act he says goes against the expectations of the global community.

He further added that India has failed to present itself as a responsible global power. According to the Trump administration, India’s actions have cast uncertainty over its future trade relationship with the United States. Secretary Bessent emphasized that both President Trump and his entire team are “deeply disappointed” with India’s current decisions and warned that future trade deals will depend on India’s behavior.

Earlier, on July 14, President Trump had issued a stern warning to all nations purchasing Russian oil, stating they could face 100% tariffs. Following this, India’s state-owned oil refineries had temporarily halted Russian crude purchases.

Reports confirm that India is not only the world’s third-largest oil importer but also the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude oil.