Washington( The COW News Digital)A senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump has leveled serious allegations against India, claiming that its continued oil trade with Russia is indirectly financing the ongoing war in Ukraine. The statement marks one of the harshest criticisms yet from Trump’s camp toward a key U.S. ally.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Stephen Miller, Trump’s influential advisor and former White House Deputy Chief of Staff, said, “President Trump has made it absolutely clear — it is unacceptable for India to be purchasing Russian oil and, in doing so, helping sustain Russia’s war machine against Ukraine.”
Miller’s remarks have stirred diplomatic waves, as they challenge India’s longstanding position of neutrality and energy independence amid global tensions. He added, “Most people would be shocked to learn that India is nearly on par with China in terms of Russian oil imports. This is a staggering fact that can no longer be ignored.”
According to Reuters, which first reported the interview, the Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment immediately. However, Indian government sources told the agency that New Delhi remains committed to its current energy strategy, despite growing U.S. pressure.
In response to India’s continued purchases of Russian energy and defense equipment, the U.S. has imposed a 25% import tariff on Indian goods, effective from Friday. The move, which many analysts see as an aggressive policy shift, comes amid Trump’s warnings of even more severe economic measures if Russia fails to agree to a peace settlement with Ukraine.
“Countries that continue to fund Russia’s aggression through oil payments may face import duties of up to 100%,” Trump warned in a recent campaign rally, underscoring the tough stance his administration would take if returned to office.
India, for its part, has maintained that its oil purchases are driven by domestic energy needs and global market dynamics rather than geopolitical alignments. Analysts believe that the escalating rhetoric may complicate India-U.S. relations at a time when strategic ties are vital in the Indo-Pacific region.
The accusations and ensuing tariffs may also have broader implications for global energy markets and international alliances as the Ukraine conflict continues into its third year.
