A senior adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump has accused India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine. The allegation comes amid growing U.S. pressure on New Delhi to halt its oil trade with Moscow.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Stephen Miller, Trump’s former deputy chief of staff, claimed that India is helping finance Russia’s military campaign. His comments mark one of the Trump team’s strongest public criticisms of a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Miller said that former President Trump had made it clear that buying oil from Russia is unacceptable. “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 told the news program.
He also noted that India now ranks alongside China in terms of oil imports from Russia. “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” Miller added.
Despite this criticism, Miller emphasized that Trump maintains a strong personal bond with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described their relationship as “tremendous,” hinting that the former president still values close ties with India.
The Indian Embassy in Washington has not issued any official response to the remarks. However, Indian government officials told Reuters that the country will continue to purchase oil from Russia, regardless of U.S. objections.
India has consistently defended its energy trade with Russia. Officials have argued that the purchases are necessary for national energy security and economic stability. They also point out that many other countries, including in Europe, have continued to buy Russian energy in some form.
In a related move, a 25% tariff on Indian goods came into effect on Friday. This new tax applies to Indian products sold in the U.S., and it is reportedly linked to India’s ongoing defense and energy dealings with Russia.
Trump has also threatened to impose 100% tariffs on imports from nations that continue buying oil from Russia. The proposed tariffs are aimed at pressuring foreign governments to cut ties with Moscow unless Russia agrees to a significant peace deal in Ukraine.
Despite mounting pressure, New Delhi’s position appears firm. Indian officials argue that they are not violating any international sanctions and are making decisions based on national interest.
India has also highlighted its diplomatic efforts to promote peace in the region. While not openly criticizing Russia, India has called for dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine.
The remarks by Miller could put additional strain on U.S.-India ties, which have grown stronger in recent years due to shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific. However, the Trump team’s latest statements suggest that energy and defense ties with Russia remain a sensitive issue.
It’s unclear whether Trump, if re-elected, would take more direct action against India over this issue. But the comments signal a more rigid stance that could lead to economic or diplomatic consequences if India does not change its current approach.
