A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump has accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow, intensifying pressure on one of Washington’s key Indo-Pacific partners.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and a prominent voice in the administration, delivered the sharp rebuke during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, stating: “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.”
Miller emphasized the scale of India’s imports, noting that the country is now “basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil,” a statistic he called “astonishing” and contrary to the expectations of a close U.S. ally.
The Indian Embassy in Washington has not yet responded to the allegations. However, senior Indian officials told Reuters over the weekend that New Delhi will continue to buy Russian oil, despite threats from the U.S., citing energy security and market stability as key priorities.
The growing tensions follow Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing its continued purchases of Russian energy and military equipment. The White House has also floated the possibility of slapping 100% tariffs on imports from any nation that continues to buy Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a significant peace settlement in Ukraine.
Despite the tough rhetoric, Miller maintained that Trump’s personal relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains “tremendous,” suggesting that diplomatic backchannels may still be active.
India has defended its oil purchases as legal under international law and vital to its economic stability, while continuing to balance relations with both Washington and Moscow. The public clash underscores deepening strains in U.S.-India relations at a time when both countries have sought to strengthen strategic and defense ties to counter China’s regional influence.
Written By Rodney Mbua
