It’s a curious kind of diplomacy when Washington raises tariffs with one hand and asks for help with the other. Yet that’s exactly where things stand. United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said he expects support from India and the Europeans to counter China’s grip over the global rare earth supply -- even as the US maintains steep tariffs on Indian goods.

"We expect to have support from India and the Europeans," Bessent told Fox News when asked how the US plans to insulate itself from Beijing’s control over rare earth materials. The remark, though routine on the surface, struck many as ironic given America’s own trade stance.

After all, Washington has imposed a 50 per cent tariff on India even as it calls New Delhi a partner in securing supply chains. India, for its part,

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