“Modi Ties ‘Strong’, But India’s Russia Oil Dealings Worry Trump: Advisor”

Trump Aide Accuses India of ‘Cheating’ US, Financing Russia’s War via Oil Purchases.

A senior aide to US President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack on India, accusing New Delhi of levying “massive” tariffs on American goods, exploiting the US immigration system, and continuing to buy Russian oil—actions he said are helping fund Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Stephen Miller, a former White House senior advisor and Trump’s deputy chief of staff, made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. “What President Trump said very clearly is that it’s not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia,” Miller said. “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in buying Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”

Despite the harsh criticism, Miller acknowledged Trump’s past rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the former president “has always had a tremendous relationship with India and PM Modi.” But he warned that “all options are on the table” to deal with India’s continued oil trade with Russia, suggesting diplomatic or financial measures could be considered.

India Holds Firm

Responding to the escalating US rhetoric, Indian officials reaffirmed that the country will continue purchasing Russian crude based on national interests. According to Bloomberg, the Indian government has issued no directive to refiners to halt imports from Russia, and buying decisions remain commercial.

Prime Minister Modi also signaled a firm stance during a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, saying: “The world economy is going through many apprehensions. There is an atmosphere of instability. Now, 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 Shift in Tone from Washington

The comments come on the heels of the Trump administration slapping a 25% tariff on Indian exports, with threats of further action unless New Delhi curtails its Russian oil ties. Trump has increasingly taken aim at India, accusing it of undermining US efforts to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Last week, Trump also criticised India for aligning with BRICS and maintaining close ties with Russia. “They can take their dead economies down together,” he said in a post that marked a notable departure from the US’s earlier strategy of engaging India as a counterbalance to China in the Indo-Pacific.

As tensions rise, the Trump administration’s recent pressure tactics underscore a dramatic shift in Washington’s posture—one that appears willing to risk fraying strategic ties with India in pursuit of geopolitical leverage against Russia.