Stephen Miller, a senior aide to US President Donald Trump, accused India of “financing” Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing its oil, claiming India rivals China in Russian oil imports. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Miller criticized India’s “massive” tariffs on US goods and alleged misuse of the US immigration system, escalating tensions with a key Indo-Pacific ally.

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil,” Miller said, emphasizing that Trump finds it “not acceptable” for India to fund Russia’s war. While praising Trump’s “tremendous relationship” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Miller stressed that “all options are on the table” to address the issue diplomatically and financially to push for peace in Ukraine.

India, however, remains defiant. Government sources confirmed New Delhi will continue buying Russian oil, with no directives to state or private refiners to halt purchases, according to Bloomberg. At a rally in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, PM Modi underscored protecting India’s economic interests amid global instability, stating, “We will buy those things which have been made by the sweat of an Indian.”

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The Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports and threatened further action if India persists with Russian oil purchases. Trump also criticized India’s role in BRICS and its ties with Russia, warning of their “dead economies.” This marks a shift from the US’s prior approach of overlooking India’s Russia ties to counter China, as Trump prioritizes pressuring Moscow to end the Ukraine conflict.

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