Trump ally tells Europe to accept or stay silent over Indian oil products purchase
Photo: European partners should contribute to a united front (Getty Images)
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized European countries for purchasing Indian oil products made from Russian raw materials. He also urged EU governments to "do their part" to increase pressure on that country, according to an interview with Fox Business.
According to him, while the United States has imposed restrictions on India’s business with Russia, European countries have done nothing.
"I want to say that it is time for European counterparts to put up or shut up. They keep saying, 'Oh, US should do this, US should do that.' President Trump has put secondary sanctions, secondary tariffs, on India because of consumption of Russian oil, and Europeans have not done that," Bessent said.
He also stressed that Europe still buys products from Indian refineries made from Russian oil.
"We need coordination here. If we are going to have a united front that will give President Trump maximum leverage, then I think our European counterparts need to do their part," the US Treasury Secretary noted.
In addition, he did not rule out that the United States could impose sanctions on China, saying that "everything is on the table" when asked about possible restrictions against the PRC.
US tariffs against India
The US sanctions forced Indian refineries to look for alternative suppliers, avoiding Russian crude.
According to sources, Indian refining companies are awaiting government instructions following the US decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods. These measures were a response to the continued import of Russian oil.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has already reacted to the new measures, attempting to justify the need to purchase Russian oil.
