A top aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticized India for continuing to import Russian crude oil, claiming the country is indirectly funding Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The accusation comes amidst rising tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India’s growing energy and defense ties with Moscow.
Stephen Miller, a senior advisor in the Trump campaign and former Deputy Chief of Staff, stated in an interview that India’s purchases of Russian oil are “astonishing” and “not acceptable.” He emphasized that India now rivals China as a leading importer of Russian energy, and described this as a significant concern for U.S. foreign policy.
The comments follow Trump’s announcement on July 30 of a 25 percent tariff on Indian imports, effective from August 1. The move is intended to pressure India to reduce its economic engagement with Russia. Trump also warned that countries continuing to buy Russian oil could face tariffs as high as 100 percent unless Russia agrees to end the war in Ukraine through a peace deal.
Miller reinforced the administration’s stance, saying all options remain open, including additional economic measures. The tough talk from Trump’s team signals a notable shift in U.S. posture toward India, which has traditionally enjoyed a strong strategic partnership with Washington, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
Despite the pressure, Indian officials have made it clear that the country will not alter its energy policy based on external demands. According to sources within India’s Petroleum Ministry, no instructions have been issued to reduce or stop Russian oil imports. Decisions, they said, are based purely on commercial considerations and market availability.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India’s global partnerships should not be evaluated through the lens of third-party conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in recent domestic speeches, affirmed India’s right to act in its own economic interest, including decisions related to energy security.
Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, India has significantly increased its imports of Russian crude oil. What was once a minor trade route has now expanded to account for approximately 35 to 40 percent of India’s total oil imports, replacing traditional suppliers such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
The criticism from Washington is not new but appears to have intensified under Trump’s renewed presidential campaign. U.S. lawmakers, including Senator Marco Rubio, have previously expressed concern about India’s trade with Russia, labeling it a source of irritation in bilateral relations.
Nevertheless, Miller added that Trump maintains a “tremendous” relationship with Prime Minister Modi, suggesting that while criticism may increase, diplomatic space for dialogue still exists.
The unfolding developments mark a critical test for India’s strategic autonomy. Balancing long-term energy needs, global partnerships, and geopolitical pressures will be central to India’s foreign policy in the coming months. With tariffs already imposed and the threat of further economic penalties looming, the situation could reshape future India-U.S. relations and influence India's broader global strategy.