A senior advisor to Donald Trump has accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine through its continued purchases of Russian oil, as the U.S. President ramps up pressure on New Delhi to halt imports from Moscow, Reuters reports.
“What President Trump has made clear is that it’s unacceptable for India to continue funding this war by buying Russian oil,” said Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House and one of Trump’s most influential advisors.
Miller’s statement marks one of the Trump administration’s strongest criticisms yet directed at one of America’s key partners in the Indo-Pacific.
“People will be shocked to learn that India is, in fact, aligning with China by buying Russian oil. This is a stunning fact,” Miller told Fox News.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. However, government sources in New Delhi told Reuters on Saturday that India would continue to purchase Russian oil despite the American threats.
A 25% tariff on Indian goods took effect last Friday as a response to India’s military and energy purchases from Russia. President Trump has also threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from any country that continues to buy Russian oil until Moscow agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine.
Despite the harsh rhetoric, Miller described Trump’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “exceptional.”
