Scott Bessent Labels India and China ‘Bad Actors’ Over Russian Oil Trade, SCO Summit Called ‘Performative’

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has sparked a diplomatic storm by branding India and China as “bad actors” for allegedly fueling Russia’s war machine through continued oil trade. In a pointed interview with Fox News on September 1, 2025, Bessent accused both nations of indirectly financing Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine by purchasing discounted Russian crude and reselling refined products. His remarks came just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, which Bessent dismissed as “largely performative”.

The comments have intensified tensions between Washington and New Delhi, already strained by the Trump administration’s recent imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Bessent’s criticism, while tempered by optimism about long-term US-India ties, underscores the growing unease in Washington over India’s strategic balancing act between the West and its Eurasian partners.

🧭 Timeline of Events Leading to Bessent’s Remarks

Bessent’s remarks have drawn attention to the geopolitical fault lines emerging from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its ripple effects on global trade and diplomacy.

🔍 Key Quotes and Strategic Implications

During the interview, Bessent said:

“India is fueling the Russian war machine, China is fueling the Russian war machine… I think at a point we and the allies are going to step up.”

He added:

“This was a longstanding meeting, it’s called the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and I think it’s largely performative.”

Despite the harsh tone, Bessent expressed hope that “two great countries will get this solved,” referring to the US and India.

📉 India’s Russian Oil Trade: Volume and Impact

India has significantly increased its purchase of Russian crude since 2022, citing economic necessity and energy security. Private refiners like Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy have played a key role in importing, refining, and exporting fuel derived from Russian oil.

The US argues that this trade undermines sanctions and prolongs the conflict in Ukraine.

🔥 SCO Summit: Optics vs Reality

The SCO summit in Tianjin showcased rare warmth between India, Russia, and China. Modi was seen sharing symbolic gestures with both Putin and Xi, projecting India’s strategic independence. However, Bessent dismissed the summit as “more of the same,” suggesting it lacked substantive outcomes.

The summit’s optics have raised questions about India’s diplomatic balancing act amid rising global polarization.

🧠 Expert Reactions and Global Commentary

Analysts agree that while Bessent’s tone was sharp, it reflects deeper concerns about the erosion of Western influence in Eurasia.

📦 India’s Diplomatic Response and Strategic Options

India has not officially responded to Bessent’s remarks but is reportedly reviewing its energy and trade strategy. The Ministry of External Affairs maintains that India’s oil purchases are based on national interest and do not violate international norms.

India’s foreign policy continues to emphasize strategic autonomy and multi-alignment.

📌 Conclusion

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s branding of India and China as “bad actors” over Russian oil trade, coupled with his dismissal of the SCO summit as “performative,” has added a new layer of complexity to global diplomacy. While India defends its energy decisions as pragmatic, Washington’s growing impatience signals a potential shift in bilateral dynamics. As the world watches, India must navigate the fine line between strategic independence and global expectations.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews and news reports as of September 2, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political, legal, or diplomatic advice.