‘Financing the war in Ukraine’: Trump aide slams India for buying Russian oil

The remarks, made during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, signal a further hardening of Washington’s stance toward New Delhi

In one of the strongest statements yet from the Trump camp, senior White House advisor Stephen Miller accused India of “financing” Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to import oil from Moscow. The remarks, made during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, signal a further hardening of Washington’s stance toward New Delhi, despite its status as a key Indo-Pacific partner.

“It is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia,” Miller said, adding that the numbers are “shocking.”

‘Tied with China’ in Russian oil imports

Miller claimed India is now roughly at par with China in terms of Russian oil purchases, a comparison likely to raise eyebrows both in Washington and New Delhi.

“India portrays itself as being one of our closest friends in the world. But they don’t accept our products, they impose massive tariffs on us. We also know they engage in a lot of cheating on immigration policy,” Miller said.

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” he added.

"President Trump wants a tremendous relationship and has had always a tremendous relationship with India and the prime minister. but we need to real about dealing with the financing of this war. So, President Trump all options are on the table to deal diplomatically, financially and otherwise with the ongoing war in Ukraine so we can achieve peace," he added.

Stephen Miller: "India portrays itself as being one of our closest friends in the world; but they don't accept our products, they impose massive tariffs on us, we also know they engage in a lot of cheating on immigration policy." pic.twitter.com/IwWsDH3jr3

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The statement comes just days after a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods came into effect, an apparent penalty for India’s continued defense and energy dealings with Russia.

Despite tariffs, India holds its ground

According to Indian government sources cited by Reuters, New Delhi has no intention of halting Russian oil purchases, tariff threats notwithstanding. The Indian Embassy in Washington has yet to issue a formal response to Miller’s comments.

Bigger threats loom: 100% tariffs?

Trump himself has threatened to go further, proposing 100 percent tariffs on imports from countries that continue energy ties with Russia unless a peace deal is reached in Ukraine. India, which has argued its Russian oil imports are driven by affordability and strategic autonomy, now faces rising friction with Washington.

Still, Miller sought to soften the criticism by invoking Trump’s rapport with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling their relationship 'tremendous.'