Trump Aide Targets India, Alleges It Is Fueling Russia’s War On Ukraine: 'Tied With China'

Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 22:07 IST

Stephen Miller's comments marked one of the strongest criticisms of India from the Trump camp so far

White House deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor Stephen Miller. (AFP Photo)

A senior aide to US President Donald Trump has accused India of helping to fund Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy oil from Moscow. The remarks were made as Trump stepped up pressure on New Delhi to halt its energy trade with Russia.

Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said, “What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia."

Miller went on to say that “people will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact." His comments marked one of the strongest criticisms of India from the Trump camp so far.

India, a key US partner in the Indo-Pacific region, has maintained strong energy ties with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and growing Western sanctions against Moscow.

According to Indian officials quoted by Reuters on Saturday, New Delhi intends to keep buying Russian oil, arguing it serves the country’s energy security needs.

As part of its tougher stance, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian products last Friday, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian energy and military equipment. Trump has also threatened to raise tariffs up to 100% on imports from any country that continues buying Russian oil unless a major peace deal is reached.

Despite the comments, Miller also noted that Trump maintains what he called a “tremendous" relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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First Published:

August 03, 2025, 22:06 IST

News world Trump Aide Targets India, Alleges It Is Fueling Russia’s War On Ukraine: 'Tied With China'

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