Top Trump Aide Accuses India of Financing Russia’s War in Ukraine

A senior aide to President Donald Trump has accused India of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine through its continued purchase of Russian oil. The bold statement comes amid growing pressure from the United States on New Delhi to halt energy and defense dealings with Moscow.

Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House and one of Trump’s closest advisers, said during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures”,
“What President Trump said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.”

Miller further noted,
“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”

U.S. Imposes Tariffs on Indian Products

The accusation was followed by swift policy action: a 25% tariff on Indian products took effect on Friday. The White House said the measure is a response to India’s ongoing military and energy cooperation with Russia.

President Trump has also issued a stark warning, threatening 100% tariffs on imports from any country that continues to buy oil from Russia unless Moscow agrees to a major peace deal with Ukraine.

India Defiant, Maintains Oil Imports

Despite the mounting pressure, Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi has no intention of halting its oil trade with Russia, stating that such purchases are essential to India’s energy security.

The Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment on Miller’s remarks or the newly imposed tariffs.

Modi-Trump Relationship “Tremendous,” Says Aide

While delivering sharp criticism, Miller also acknowledged the strong diplomatic relationship between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “tremendous.”

“President Trump has deep respect for Prime Minister Modi, but the issue here is principle. You cannot support a brutal war and expect business as usual,” Miller added.

The comments and policy moves mark a significant escalation in U.S.-India relations, which have been strained by conflicting approaches to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. As India asserts its strategic autonomy, Washington is signaling that economic consequences may follow for countries choosing to maintain close ties with Moscow.

The developments could have broad implications for global trade, U.S.-India cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and the future alignment of major powers amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.