In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, a senior aide to US President Donald Trump has alleged that India is indirectly financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy oil from Moscow. The accusation, delivered by Trump’s top policy advisor Stephen Miller during an appearance on Sunday, has put India in the crosshairs of Trump’s increasingly hawkish stance toward countries maintaining energy ties with Russia.
“India Financing the War”: Stephen Miller’s Explosive Claim
Speaking on Fox News, Miller, who served as White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security during Trump’s presidency, stated:
“What he [Trump] said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.”
In a startling revelation, Miller added, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”
The comments mark one of the strongest criticisms to date from Trump’s camp, a notable departure from his previously warm public gestures toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tariff Threats and Trade Tensions
Just days before Miller’s remarks, the Trump administration had slapped a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing its ongoing defence and energy dealings with Russia. The former president has also threatened to increase tariffs to 100% on imports from any country that continues purchasing Russian oil, unless Russia agrees to a significant peace agreement.
These aggressive economic measures underscore Trump’s attempt to isolate Moscow further while pressuring strategic partners like India to toe the American line on Ukraine.
India’s Firm Stand on Energy Security
India has insisted that energy security comes before international perceptions in spite of mounting pressure from the West, particularly for a developing nation juggling inflation, the energy transition, and unstable geopolitics. According to Indian government officials quoted by Reuters, New Delhi will continue sourcing discounted oil from Russia, which currently makes up a significant portion of its crude imports. The officials insist this strategy serves India’s national interest and ensures affordable fuel for its 1.4 billion citizens.
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PM Modi’s Diplomatic Balancing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has so far walked a tightrope on the Ukraine conflict. While maintaining deepening strategic ties with the US, he has also preserved longstanding relations with Russia, a crucial defence and energy partner. At the 2022 SCO Summit in Samarkand, Modi famously told Russian President Vladimir Putin:
“Today’s era is not of war… democracy, diplomacy, and dialogue are what touch the world.”
Putin had acknowledged Modi’s concerns and responded: “We want all of this to end as soon as possible… I know about your position and concerns.”
India’s position has consistently advocated for dialogue, not weapons, and peaceful resolution, not pressure campaigns.
