Tensions between Washington and New Delhi widened after US Treasury Secretary Jenna Bessent said India was “not being cooperative” in the latest round of trade negotiations. Her remarks came days after the Trump administration unveiled a new tariff regime that will levy 25 percent on products tied to Russian crude oil and up to 50 percent on a broad range of Indian exports. The White House argues the duties are a response to India’s surging purchases of discounted Russian oil, which it says undercut US sanctions and distort energy markets. The moves also revive long-standing American complaints about limited market access for US farm and dairy products. India, which imports about 90 percent of its oil and now sources roughly 40 percent of those barrels from Russia, says the measures are punitive and ignore its energy-security needs. Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to protect domestic producers, declaring that “India will never compromise on the wellbeing of its farmers, dairy and fishermen.” Farmer groups have publicly backed his stance, while economists warn the higher levies could squeeze India’s cotton-dependent textile sector, seafood exports and other industries already navigating weak global demand. Analysts say the dispute risks slowing momentum in a strategic partnership that both sides have cultivated to counter China’s rise. Indian commentators note that a “sanctions-happy” United States may be pushing New Delhi to deepen ties with alternative partners, even as Washington tries to use trade pressure to curb Russia’s wartime revenue. Formal talks on a wider trade pact remain on hold.