Bessent Says Europe Rejected US Push for Tariffs on India and China Over Russian Oil

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has accused European countries of declining to join Washington in imposing secondary tariffs on India and China over their purchases of Russian energy, questioning why the United States should bear the economic burden of pressuring Moscow alone.

Speaking in an interview with NBC, Bessent said the Trump administration had approached European allies in the spring to seek coordinated action against countries importing Russian oil. According to Bessent, the proposal did not receive European support.

“We have asked, in the spring, I asked our European allies to join us in putting secondary tariffs on China, on India. They refused. So why should the US bear the burden?” he said.

The remarks highlight differences over how the United States and its partners should use trade restrictions and economic pressure in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Trump Wants Ukraine Fighting to Stop, Bessent Says

Bessent said US President Donald Trump wanted the fighting in Ukraine to end and that proposed sanctions legislation would give the administration time to assess its options before deciding whether to proceed with further measures.

“President Trump has made it clear he wants the killing to stop,” Bessent said, referring to legislation associated with US Senator Lindsey Graham.

According to the supplied report, the administration had temporarily waived certain sanctions and tariff provisions to allow a 60-day assessment of the potential consequences.

The proposed legislation would authorise tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported into the United States from major buyers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas, including India and China, as described in the report.

The scope of any eventual measures would depend on the final legal framework and decisions taken by the administration. The proposed tariffs should not be treated as automatically imposed or as a confirmed policy outcome.

Bessent Questions Europe’s Russian Energy Purchases

Bessent also criticised European countries for continuing to purchase Russian energy, pointing to shipments from Russia’s Yamal liquefied natural gas facility.

He said 140 cargoes had departed the facility during the first six months of the year, with 136 going to European destinations, including Belgium, Spain, France and the Netherlands. Bessent put the value of the shipments at more than $8 billion.

The figures were cited by Bessent as evidence that European countries continued to purchase Russian energy while supporting Ukraine.

The comments raise questions about the consistency of Western economic pressure on Moscow. However, the wider picture depends on the type of energy involved, the relevant restrictions and exemptions, and the rules governing individual imports.

Bessent said Washington could approach European partners again to seek a coordinated response.

Marco Rubio Calls India an Important Ally

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also emphasised the importance of considering India’s energy needs when evaluating possible tariffs and sanctions.

According to the supplied report, Rubio described India as an important ally and said Washington needed to assess the consequences of proposed measures for both the global economy and the US economy.

Rubio also acknowledged that countries such as India had diversified their energy supplies but could not immediately stop importing Russian energy.

India has maintained that its energy procurement decisions are influenced by domestic demand, affordability and energy security. Any sudden reduction in supply could affect purchasing costs and the wider energy market.

Rubio’s reported remarks suggest that the administration is weighing its pressure on Russia against its broader diplomatic and economic relationships, including its relationship with India.

What Could US Tariffs Mean for India?

The prospect of secondary tariffs has implications for Indian exporters, energy procurement and trade relations with Washington. The actual impact would depend on whether the proposed measures are adopted, which products or transactions they cover, and how the rules are implemented.

Tariffs on Indian goods could raise costs for affected exporters and make their products less competitive in the US market. The extent of any effect would vary by sector, the availability of alternative markets and the final design of the measures.

There is also a potential energy-security dimension. India is a major energy consumer, and changes in the availability or price of crude oil can influence import costs and domestic economic conditions.

At this stage, the reported comments indicate continuing policy debate rather than a confirmed implementation of the proposed tariff measures. Businesses and investors will need to monitor official announcements for clarity on the timing, scope and legal status of any action.

US and Europe Face Questions Over a Coordinated Russia Policy

Bessent’s criticism reflects a broader challenge for Western governments seeking to pressure Russia while managing their own energy requirements and economic interests.

Washington has argued for stronger economic measures against countries buying Russian energy, while the reported comments from Rubio underline the need to consider the consequences for allies and the wider economy.

The differing positions also highlight the difficulty of maintaining a common approach among countries with different trade relationships, energy needs and domestic priorities.

For India, the next developments to watch include any formal US decision on secondary tariffs, further discussions between Washington and European governments, and statements clarifying how the proposed measures would apply to Indian energy imports.

Until official details are confirmed, the possibility of additional tariffs remains a developing policy issue rather than a settled change in trade rules.