A top aide to US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised India for continuing to purchase oil from Russia, alleging that such transactions are effectively financing Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The comments, delivered by Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff, reflect growing frustration within the Trump administration over India’s stance amid escalating global tensions.
“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 during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. He added that the scale of India’s oil imports from Russia puts it “basically tied with China”—a revelation he described as “astonishing.”
The rebuke marks one of the strongest criticisms yet by the Trump administration toward India, a strategic US partner in the Indo-Pacific. Although President Trump has cultivated close ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the administration has shown increasing impatience with New Delhi’s refusal to scale back ties with Moscow.
The Indian Embassy in Washington has yet to respond to the latest remarks. However, Indian government sources said over the weekend that New Delhi intends to continue its oil imports from Russia, citing national interest and energy security concerns.
In response to India’s continued purchases, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian products starting Friday. Trump has also threatened to implement a sweeping 100% tariff on imports from countries that buy Russian oil, unless Russia agrees to a significant peace deal with Ukraine.
Despite the tough rhetoric, Miller emphasised the strength of the Trump-Modi relationship, calling it “tremendous,” perhaps signalling that the administration still hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the growing rift.
India has repeatedly defended its oil purchases from Russia, arguing that it must prioritise energy affordability and accessibility for its large population. Nevertheless, the issue is becoming a growing fault line in US-India relations, as Washington seeks greater alignment from allies in pressuring the Kremlin over its war in Ukraine.
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