A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase large volumes of oil from Moscow—marking one of the most pointed criticisms yet from the Trump administration toward a key Indo-Pacific partner.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and one of his closest policy advisors, delivered the remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”, where he outlined the administration’s growing concerns over India’s energy trade with Russia.
“What President Trump has said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia,” Miller stated, directly linking India’s energy transactions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Miller emphasized the scale of India’s oil imports from Russia, asserting, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.” His comments reflect increasing frustration in Washington over India’s decision to maintain strong energy ties with Moscow despite mounting international pressure to isolate the Kremlin.
The Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment on Miller’s statements. However, Indian government sources told Reuters over the weekend that New Delhi remains firm in its policy and will continue oil imports from Russia, citing energy security and economic necessity.
Adding to the rising tension, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods beginning Friday. This move is said to be in response not only to India’s continued oil purchases from Russia but also its acquisition of military hardware from Moscow.
President Trump has gone further, threatening to impose up to 100% tariffs on imports from any nation that continues to buy Russian oil, unless Moscow agrees to a major peace deal with Ukraine. These proposed measures reflect the administration’s escalating efforts to use economic leverage to sway countries away from supporting Russia economically.
Despite the criticism, Miller took a more measured tone when discussing Trump’s personal rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the relationship as “tremendous.” He noted that while the administration is firm on its stance regarding Russian oil, it still values its diplomatic and strategic ties with India.
The rising tension over India’s oil trade with Russia now poses a significant test for U.S.-India relations, which have grown closer in recent years amid shared concerns over China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. The Trump administration appears to be walking a tightrope: applying pressure over Moscow ties while maintaining a key strategic partnership.
