A senior aide to U.S. President Donald Trump has accused India of financially supporting Russia’s battle in Ukraine by persevering with to purchase Russian oil, sharply criticizing New Delhi amid rising tensions between the 2 strategic companions.
“What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia,” Miller mentioned.
The remarks come simply days after the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian items in response to India’s ongoing navy and vitality ties with Russia. Additional penalties have been threatened if India doesn’t cut back its purchases.
India is at present the second-largest purchaser of Russian oil, after China, accounting for over 30% of its gas imports. This is a dramatic rise from pre-war ranges in 2022, when solely about 1% of India’s oil got here from Russia.
Miller emphasised that the amount of Russian oil India now buys is “basically tied with China,” calling it “an astonishing fact.” His feedback symbolize one of many strongest public rebukes from Washington towards New Delhi since Trump returned to the White House.
Despite the criticism, Miller additionally described Trump’s private relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “tremendous.” Last week, Trump referred to as India “our friend” whilst he introduced new tariffs and publicly blasted its BRICS membership and ties to Moscow.
“I don’t care what India does with Russia. They can take their dead economies down together, for all I care,” Trump posted on Truth Social on July 30.
Trump has beforehand threatened 100% tariffs on U.S. imports from international locations that proceed oil commerce with Russia, except Moscow agrees to a significant peace deal in Ukraine.
Analysts are divided on the Trump administration’s method. Some imagine the hardline stance is supposed to squeeze Russia economically, whereas others see it as a negotiating tactic aimed toward forcing India to make commerce concessions. Washington is at present pushing to cut back its $45 billion commerce deficit with India.
