Trump Aide Slams India for Buying Russian Oil, Claims It Fuels Ukraine War

Stephen Miller, a top advisor to President Donald Trump, has stirred controversy by accusing India of helping fund Russia’s war in Ukraine through its oil purchases.

Speaking on, Miller didn’t hold back, saying, “What [Trump] said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia,” He added, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”

Miller’s comments are some of the sharpest criticisms yet from the Trump team aimed at India, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The US recently slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, starting August 1, to push back against India’s growing reliance on Russian oil and its purchase of Russian military equipment.

• Trump Aide Stephen Miller Blasts India for Russian Oil Buys, Links It to Ukraine War
• US Imposes 25% Tariff as Trump Team Accuses India of Funding Russia’s War Effort
• India Defends Russian Oil Imports After Trump Camp’s Sharp Rebuke and Tariff Threats

Trump has also warned of steeper 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil unless Russia negotiates peace with Ukraine. Before the Ukraine war began in 2022, India imported just 1% of its oil from Russia. Now, with discounted prices too good to pass up, that number has skyrocketed to over 30%.

Despite the tough talk, Miller was quick to highlight Trump’s “great relationship” with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting the two leaders still get along personally. But India isn’t backing down. Government sources in New Delhi told they’ll keep buying Russian oil to meet the country’s energy demands, stressing that their long-standing ties with Russia are “rock-solid” and shouldn’t be judged through the lens of other nations.

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The tariffs and Miller’s remarks are part of a broader US strategy to squeeze Russia’s economy while addressing the $45 billion trade deficit with India. Some experts believe the moves are also meant to pressure India in ongoing trade negotiations. The Indian Embassy in Washington has stayed silent on Miller’s comments so far, leaving many to wonder how this will play out between the two nations.