A senior aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday accused India of indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow — a move that has drawn heightened criticism from Washington.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and a key figure in his administration, stated, “What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia.” His remarks came during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”
Miller went further, pointing out, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.” His comments mark some of the most direct criticism yet from the Trump camp toward India, a strategic U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific.
The Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment. However, Indian government officials told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi has no plans to halt oil imports from Russia, despite increasing pressure from the U.S.
In response to India’s continued energy and defense trade with Russia, a 25% tariff on Indian goods was imposed by the U.S. on Friday. Trump has further warned of imposing 100% tariffs on imports from countries that continue buying Russian oil unless a major peace agreement is reached between Moscow and Kyiv.
Despite the criticism, Miller acknowledged Trump’s close ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing their relationship as “tremendous.”
