'Better to be recalcitrant than...': Shashi Tharoor responds to US criticism of India in trade talks

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Thursday hit back at US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s recent comments describing India as “a bit recalcitrant” during trade negotiations with Washington.

In a post on X, Tharoor wrote, “I hear some people are accusing India of being ‘recalcitrant’. I say, far better to be recalcitrant, than to be tractable, submissive or acquiescent in injustice.”

Bessent, speaking to Fox Business on Tuesday, had characterised ongoing trade talks with India as challenging. “The big trade deals that aren’t done or agreed, Switzerland is still around, India has been a bit recalcitrant,” he said, while noting that the target for concluding these agreements remained “aspirational.” He added that teams led by US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were working to finalise the pending deals. “We will have agreed on substantial terms with all the substantial countries,” Bessent said.

The row comes amid escalating trade tensions, with US President Donald Trump announcing tariffs totalling 50 per cent on India. This includes an additional 25 per cent duty on Indian imports of Russian oil, due to take effect on 27 August.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the move, calling it “unjustified and unreasonable.” In its official statement, the MEA asserted, “Like any major economy, India will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.”