Classic American delusion? US Treasury Secretary Bessent calls India ‘recalcitrant’ in trade talks

The United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in another stunning display of American echochamber jingoism, said that India had been “a bit recalcitrant” on trade negotiations with the US.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, recalcitrant means “obstinately defiant of authority or restraint” or “not responsive to treatment”. The delusion of the US is at such heights that Bessent either thinks the US has some sort of authority over India or that India needs treatment, both of which are factually misguided.

Bessent went on Fox Business on Tuesday to speak about the latest on Trump’s erratic tariff measures. He stated that the trade deals were in a good position to be wrapped up by October.

“I think we will have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries,” he asserted.

From August 27, Trump’s tariffs on India will come to 50 per cent, which the Union Ministry has already termed as “unjustified and unreasonable”, even pointing out the Western bloc’s double standards on buying Russian energy material while imposing sanctions on other countries.

India took a stand against Trump, with the External Affairs Ministry stating that India would take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.

All is not bleak, with the US delegation expected to be in India from August 25 to proceed with the sixth round of negotiations for the proposed bilateral trade agreement between the two nations.

Amid the erratic US behaviour, India has not been sitting idle. In fact, according to a Commerce Ministry official, India’s free trade agreement (FTA) with the UK would lift textile exports by 30-45 per cent by 2030.

India inked the comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) with the UK on July 24 in London. India’s total exports to the world stand at $37 billion.

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