Pressuring over Russian oil purchases, Donald Trump's staffer accuses India of ‘financing’ Ukraine war

By Admin

04 Aug, 2025

In a sharp rebuke that has drawn global attention, Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff to former US President Donald Trump, has accused India of indirectly “financing” the Ukraine war through its continued purchase of Russian oil. His comments come amidst growing pressure from the Trump camp on India's trade policies and global positioning, especially concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During a media interaction on August 3, Miller criticized India on multiple fronts alleging high tariffs on American goods, accusing the country of “cheating” the US immigration system, and most notably, raising objections over India’s extensive oil trade with Russia. According to Bloomberg, Miller emphasized that India’s oil imports from Russia are nearly as high as China’s, linking the purchases to funding Russia’s ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

“President Trump wants a tremendous relationship and has always had a tremendous relationship with India and the Prime Minister. But we need to get real about dealing with the financing of this war,” Miller stated.

“All options are on the table diplomatic, financial, and otherwise to bring peace in Ukraine,” he added.

India Stands Firm on Oil Purchases

Despite the vocal criticism, the Indian government has shown no signs of shifting its stance. Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that India has not issued any directive to its public or private oil marketing companies (OMCs) to reduce or halt Russian oil imports. Instead, these purchases continue to be viewed as commercial decisions left to the discretion of refiners.

This firm position comes even after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports and hinted at further measures if the oil trade persists.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the broader issue of global economic uncertainty during a rally on August 2. While not directly referencing the US concerns, he underlined India's commitment to supporting domestic industries, stating, “Whatever we buy, there should be only one scale: we will buy those things which have been made by the sweat of an Indian.”

A Historic Partnership with Russia

India’s relationship with Russia spans decades, rooted in defense cooperation, energy ties, and geopolitical alignment. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a press conference on August 1, reaffirmed this strategic bond, calling it “steady and time-tested.”

“Our bilateral relationships with various countries stand on their own merit and should not be seen from the prism of a third country,” Jaiswal emphasized.

While US-India ties have strengthened over the years particularly in defense, trade, and technology this renewed criticism by Trump’s camp could cast a shadow over ongoing trade negotiations. Nevertheless, both nations appear committed to navigating these complex dynamics through dialogue.

As per a New York Times report, India is expected to continue buying Russian crude, balancing its national interest with growing international scrutiny.

Conclusion

India finds itself once again walking a tightrope between maintaining its strategic autonomy and facing pressure from global powers. While Donald Trump’s former aide has sounded a stern warning, India’s pragmatic and independent foreign policy remains unchanged for now. As geopolitical tensions persist, how India balances its energy security, economic stability, and diplomatic relations will continue to shape the global conversation.