A senior Trump administration official criticised India on Sunday for buying Russian oil, accusing it of fueling the Russia-Ukraine war, following increased pressure from the US President on New Delhi.“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,” remarked Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff and key Trump advisor, Reuters reported.This stern rebuke from Miller represents the Trump administration’s most forceful criticism to date regarding one of America’s primary Indo-Pacific allies.“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” Miller stated during his appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”Despite US tariff slap and the penalty threat, India seems to be unworried about anything as it continued to maintain their Russian oil purchases.On Friday, a 25% duty was imposed on Indian goods following the country’s acquisition of Russian military equipment and energy resources. Trump has additionally warned of possible 100% tariffs on US imports from nations buying Russian oil, unless Moscow negotiates a significant peace agreement with Ukraine.Miller balanced his criticism by acknowledging Trump’s “tremendous” relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump’s tariff move
On July 30, US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Indian products whilst issuing warnings about possible sanctions regarding India’s acquisition of Russian weaponry and petroleum. Following the tariff declaration, Trump severely criticised New Delhi’s relationship with Moscow, describing both nations as “dead economies” and explicitly stating his indifference towards Indo-Russian relations.Trump indicated his willingness to enforce substantial tariffs — potentially up to 100% — on imports from nations that maintain their oil purchases from Russia, unless Russia negotiates a peace agreement with Ukraine.
