'Very disappointed with...': Donald Trump's aide Scott Bessent slams EU's India FTA amid tariff war
A day after India and the European Union sealed their long-awaited free trade agreement, the deal sparked open anger in Washington and highlighted India’s growing global leverage. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lashed out at Europe, accusing it of prioritising trade with India over its stated commitment to ending the Ukraine war. He argued that Europe indirectly funds the conflict by buying fuel refined in India using Russian crude, while refusing to join US pressure tactics. Yet, even as Washington criticised the deal, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer delivered a striking admission, saying India “comes out on top” and could enjoy a trade boom once the FTA is implemented. As the US adopts a more protectionist stance, Europe is doubling down on globalisation, and India has emerged as the most attractive partner, reshaping trade power equations across continents.