India, Aug. 28 -- As the US treasury secretary blamed the slow pace of trade deal talks as one more reason for high tariffs on India, another top American official accused the country of "intransigence", that is, refusing to change its stance over easier entry for US products into its market.

US National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said President Donald Trump is not likely to change his mind either: ". if the Indians don't budge, I don't think President Trump will."

Speaking to the media at the White House on Wednesday, Hassett also furthered the US argument that the 25% "penal" tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil - in addition to the 25% that kicked in three weeks earlier - was a pressure move to get Vladimir P...