Trump aide accuses India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by buying Russian oil

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller sharply criticized India for continuing to import Russian oil, arguing that New Delhi is effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing Moscow’s crude.

Appearing on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Miller on Aug 3 said, “What he [Trump] said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.”

He added that “people will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil,” calling it “an astonishing fact.”

Miller’s comments coincided with growing US pressure on India over its continued relationship with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

On July 30, President Donald Trump unveiled a 25% tariff on Indian goods, citing India’s energy and defense ties with Moscow, and signaled possible escalation to 100% tariffs on countries still buying Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire.

Despite these warnings, Indian government sources told Reuters that New Delhi intends to continue purchasing oil from Russia, viewing energy imports as a commercial decision guided by national interest and long-term contracts.

Officials said the government had not instructed state refining companies to halt such imports.

Trump’s administration has also criticized India’s broader trade and immigration policies. Miller accused New Delhi of imposing “massive” tariffs on American goods and “cheating” the US immigration system — remarks that underline tensions beyond energy ties.

Strategic analysts suggest that Trump’s public rebuke may reflect efforts to reassert his image as a global dealmaker ahead of the next US election, while pressuring India to align more closely with American diplomatic agendas.

His energy-related tariffs and sanctions threats represent one of his most forceful foreign policy stands toward India in recent months.

India, for its part, continues to emphasize its time-tested, sovereign relationship with Russia, especially in the fields of energy and defense, even while maintaining strategic ties with the US.

External Affairs spokespersons have reiterated that India’s energy security policies are governed by economic imperatives and national interests, not geopolitical pressure.