Washington (TDI): A senior figure in US President Donald Trump’s team has openly criticized India for continuing to purchase oil from Russia, suggesting that these transactions are indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine.
Stephen Miller, a key Trump aide and White House Deputy Chief of Staff, made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.
He said, “President Trump has made it clear that India’s ongoing oil trade with Russia is effectively helping fund the war in Ukraine, and that is simply unacceptable.”
Miller’s remarks are among the most pointed from Trump’s camp regarding India, traditionally considered a close partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific region.
Read More: Five Jets Shot Down in Pakistan-India Hostilities: Trump
Tensions escalated further when a 25% tariff on Indian goods came into effect last Friday, reportedly in response to India’s continued energy and defense dealings with Russia.
President Trump has also warned of potentially harsher trade actions, including 100% tariffs on goods imported from countries that continue oil trade with Russia, unless a substantial peace agreement is reached in Ukraine.
Read More: US Rebukes India Over Trump’s Ceasefire Role Denial
Despite the strong criticism, Miller acknowledged the cordial relationship between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “tremendous.”
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
