In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, senior White House advisor Stephen Miller delivered one of the most pointed critiques yet from the Trump camp regarding India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Miller directly accused New Delhi of “financing” Moscow’s military offensive in Ukraine by continuing to buy discounted Russian crude — a move he says is at odds with international efforts to isolate the Kremlin.
“It is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia,” Miller asserted, emphasizing that the scale of India’s imports was “shocking.” His comments suggest a marked shift in Washington’s tone toward New Delhi, a country long considered a strategic ally in the Indo-Pacific region, especially in counterbalancing China’s growing influence.
India’s Ties With China in Russian Oil Purchases
Miller further claimed that India’s current volume of oil imports from Russia has reached parity with that of China — a comparison that could spark diplomatic tensions. “People will be shocked to learn that India is tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” he said, alluding to a potentially uncomfortable position for New Delhi, which often distinguishes itself from Beijing in global forums.
These remarks follow the introduction of a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods entering the U.S. market, widely interpreted as a direct consequence of India’s sustained economic and defense cooperation with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
India Holds Its Ground
Despite the mounting pressure, Indian officials reportedly remain firm in their stance. Citing unnamed government sources, Reuters reported that New Delhi does not plan to curtail its purchases of Russian crude, pointing to affordability, national energy security, and its policy of strategic autonomy as guiding factors.
While the Indian Embassy in Washington has not yet issued an official response to Miller’s comments, the broader geopolitical friction is palpable. Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in, threatening even harsher economic measures, including a potential 100 percent tariff on imports from nations that maintain energy ties with Russia, unless a peace deal in Ukraine is brokered.
Strategic Partnership Under Strain
Nevertheless, Miller attempted to temper his criticism by highlighting the strong personal rapport between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi is tremendous,” he remarked, suggesting that future dialogue could still preserve the foundational strength of U.S.-India relations.
The latest developments underline the complexity of global alliances in a world where energy needs, geopolitical rivalry, and economic interests are becoming increasingly intertwined.
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