National/ International/ Business Desk
2 September
Sandeep Dhand Journalist
Amid rising tensions between India and the United States, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett expressed confidence that the two major countries will eventually resolve their issues. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Bassett noted that India’s values are much closer to the US and China than to Russia.
Bassett made these remarks after the annual Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held over the weekend in Tianjin, China. He described the SCO as “mostly for show” and suggested that while it is a long-standing platform, it does not have significant influence.
He said, “Ultimately, India, the world’s largest democracy, shares values much closer to ours and China’s, not Russia’s.” Bassett added that despite differences over issues like trade and Russian oil, he believes India and the US will find a resolution.
Addressing the issue of Indian purchases of Russian crude oil, Bassett commented that India has not been an effective player in avoiding funding Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. India, however, defends its purchases, stating that its energy imports are driven by national interest and market dynamics, not political alliances.
Bassett also pointed out that slow progress in US-India trade talks has contributed to tensions. The remarks come in the backdrop of the Trump administration imposing a 50% tariff on Indian oil imports from Russia, which raised questions about the state of India-US relations.
Despite these concerns, Bassett remained optimistic, emphasizing that dialogue and cooperation will ultimately help both nations address outstanding trade and strategic issues. His statements signal that the US continues to value India as a key partner in global diplomacy, even as disagreements over energy and trade persist.
Overall, Bassett’s message underscores confidence in long-term US-India cooperation and reflects an understanding that while challenges exist, both countries have the capacity and interest to resolve their differences constructively.