A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized India for continuing to import oil from Russia, accusing New Delhi of undermining global efforts to end the war in Ukraine while also slamming the country’s trade and immigration practices.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said India is now among the largest buyers of Russian oil—on par with China—a development he called “astonishing.” He warned that by continuing to buy from Moscow, India is indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Miller’s remarks mark one of the strongest statements yet from the Trump administration toward India, traditionally seen as a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
“President Trump has always valued the relationship with Prime Minister Modi and India,” Miller said. “But we have to face facts. Buying oil from Russia at this scale is helping to finance the conflict in Ukraine. All options are on the table to bring this to an end.”
The comments come amid rising U.S. pressure on India to halt energy trade with Russia. Just days earlier, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports to the U.S., with officials warning of more actions to follow if India maintains its oil ties with Moscow.
Despite the criticism, Indian officials signaled no plans to change course. Government sources told Bloomberg that India will continue to buy crude from Russia, emphasizing that decisions on energy purchases are made by individual refiners based on commercial factors—not political ones.
During a public rally in Uttar Pradesh over the weekend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended India’s approach, stressing the need to prioritize national economic interests amid global uncertainty.
“The global economy is full of uncertainty,” Modi said. “We must focus on buying what is made with the hard work of Indians.”
Trump’s sharp rhetoric also included criticism of India’s role in the BRICS economic group and its ties with Russia. Last week, he took aim at the alliance, suggesting that nations like India and Russia were dragging each other down economically.
The Trump administration’s tougher stance marks a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy, which in recent years had leaned toward deepening ties with India to counterbalance China’s influence in the region. Now, that strategy appears to be taking a backseat to efforts aimed at isolating Russia on the world stage.
Image Source: Google
Image Credit: Respective Owner
