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Top Trump aide accuses India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine

India helping Russia by purchasing oil from Moscow: US official
Published 04 Aug, 2025 09:32am
US White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, DC. – Reuters file
US White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, DC. – Reuters file

A top aide to President Donald Trump on Sunday accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, after the US leader escalated pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

“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,” said Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and one of Trump’s most influential aides.

Miller’s criticism was one of the strongest yet by the Trump administration about one of the United States’ major partners in the Indo-Pacific.

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” Miller said on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a concert on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. – Reuters file
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attend a concert on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. – Reuters file

Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi will keep purchasing oil from Moscow despite US threats.

A 25% tariff on Indian products went into effect on Friday as a result of its purchase of military equipment and energy from Russia.

Trump has also threatened 100% tariffs on US imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

Miller tempered his criticism by noting Trump’s relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as “tremendous.”

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