- By Shivangi Sharma
- Sun, 03 Aug 2025 11:23 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Amid rising trade tensions between the United States and India, a top aide to President Donald Trump has accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to import oil from Moscow. Speaking on Fox News' “Sunday Morning Futures,” Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security, delivered one of the Trump camp’s strongest criticisms yet of a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific.
“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 stated, aligning his comments with Trump’s growing disapproval of India’s ties with Moscow.
Miller further alleged, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.” The Indian Embassy in Washington has yet to issue an official response, but Indian government sources reportedly told Reuters that New Delhi will continue to purchase oil from Russia in order to secure its energy needs.
25% Tariffs Already In Place
The remarks came just days after Trump’s reimposed 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods came into effect on Friday. The tariff was imposed in response to India’s continued defence and energy transactions with Russia, moves Trump views as contrary to global efforts to isolate Moscow.
The Trump campaign has hinted that tariffs could be increased to as much as 100 per cent on imports from countries that maintain energy ties with Russia unless a major peace agreement is reached. The warning appears aimed not only at India but also other nations continuing business with the Kremlin amid the Ukraine conflict.
Trump-Modi Relationship Still Strong
Despite the sharp tone, Miller tempered his criticism by acknowledging the rapport between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “President Trump has a tremendous relationship with Prime Minister Modi,” he said, indicating that while policy tensions may rise, personal diplomacy remains intact.
India, which imports a significant portion of its crude oil from Russia at discounted rates, has defended its stance as a matter of national interest. New Delhi has also argued that it is not violating any international law and is acting in accordance with its own energy security goals.