U.S. sought European sanctions on India and China over Russian oil

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the United States sought to have European allies impose secondary sanctions on India and China due to their purchase of Russian oil. However, European partners rejected the proposal.

Bessent criticized the dual policies of European nations, alleging that by continuing to purchase Russian energy, they are effectively financing Vladimir Putin’s war machine. He noted that while the U.S. imports approximately $4 billion in Russian products—including $1.8 billion in fertilizer—European imports are ten times higher.

Recent decisions regarding tariffs and sanctions on Russia and other nations, including India, are currently under a 60-day temporary reprieve. According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary Bessent, this pause is granted under the ‘Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act,’ allowing the administration to assess the global economic impact of such measures. The 60-day window provided by President Trump’s executive order is a temporary measure to evaluate the effects of sanctions and tariffs on the global economy amidst energy supply pressures.