Washington: The United States has voiced strong dissatisfaction over the recently concluded free trade agreement between India and the European Union, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent openly criticising European nations for prioritising commercial interests over collective geopolitical concerns.
Speaking during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street on Wednesday, Bessent said he was deeply frustrated by Europe’s unwillingness to align with Washington on imposing economic pressure on India over its continued imports of Russian oil. He suggested that the new trade pact had influenced Europe’s reluctance to support tougher measures.
“It’s their decision, but frankly, I find Europe’s position very disappointing, especially given that they are closest to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine,” Bessent remarked. He argued that countries most affected by the war should take a firmer stance to curtail financial flows that could indirectly sustain Moscow’s military campaign.
The treasury secretary also highlighted what he described as contradictions in Europe’s approach. According to him, while India has continued to purchase discounted Russian crude, European nations have been among the primary buyers of the refined petroleum products derived from it. “In effect, Europe has ended up financing a conflict that directly threatens its own security,” he said, calling the situation deeply ironic.
Bessent further noted that the US had responded by introducing a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases, while European partners declined to adopt similar steps. He claimed that the eagerness to finalise a sweeping trade deal with New Delhi outweighed broader strategic considerations.
“Whenever European leaders speak about solidarity with Ukraine, people should remember that trade interests ultimately took precedence,” he added, underscoring Washington’s concerns about unity among Western allies.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment, as global powers recalibrate economic and diplomatic strategies amid ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe and shifting trade alliances.
