Top Trump aide accuses India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine

A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday (August 3, 2025) accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, after the U.S. leader escalated pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

“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,” said Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House and one of Mr. Trump’s most influential aides.

Mr. Miller’s criticism was one of the strongest yet by the Trump administration about one of the United States’ major partners in the Indo-Pacific.

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

Stephen Miller’s accusation points to this trade loop as a “backdoor” method of financing war, even if indirectly.

The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Indian officials have reiterated their position that energy decisions are made based on economic need and national interest. A senior Indian diplomat told Reuters, “We are committed to peace and diplomatic resolution in Ukraine, but our oil imports are guided by market dynamics. We will not compromise our energy security.”

A 25% tariff on Indian products went into effect on Friday as a result of its purchase of military equipment and energy from Russia. Trump has also threatened 100% tariffs on U.S. imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a major peace deal with Ukraine.

India has walked a tightrope in the Russia-Ukraine conflict — condemning violence in general terms, supporting peace initiatives at the UN, but avoiding direct criticism of Russia. Simultaneously, India has deepened defense and strategic ties with the U.S., held joint military exercises, and engaged actively in the Quad alliance.

Mr. Miller tempered his criticism by noting Mr. Trump’s relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as “tremendous”.

However, rhetoric matters — especially during election campaigns. Statements like Miller’s could strain public perceptions and complicate diplomatic negotiations, particularly if a future Trump administration chooses to take a harder stance.

While Stephen Miller’s words have stirred the waters, the deeper current remains one of pragmatism, sovereignty, and the growing role of energy diplomacy in shaping the future world order.

The double standards debate is central: critics ask why Europe’s historical dependence on Russian energy was tolerated for decades, but India’s actions are now condemned when serving similar national interests.

A Diplomatic Flashpoint: Trump Aide Accuses India of Financing Russia’s War in Ukraine

In a potent diplomatic rebuke, Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff and a trusted aide to former President Donald Trump, accused India of “effectively financing” Russia’s war in Ukraine through its ongoing oil imports from Moscow.

“Not Acceptable”: A Stark Warning

On Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Miller delivered one of the sharpest criticisms yet from the Trump administration toward New Delhi. He stated:

“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.” Al JazeeraThe Business Standard

He added with evident surprise that:

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.” Al JazeeraThe Business Standard

Despite this pointed criticism, Miller stressed that Trump continues to value his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling it “tremendous,” while insisting that the U.S. must face the reality of India’s role in aiding Russia financially through energy transactions. Al JazeeraThe Business Standard

Background: Tariffs and Diplomatic Fallout

The statement follows earlier escalations from Trump:

• A 25% tariff on Indian goods took effect on August 1, linked explicitly to India’s energy and defense ties with Russia.

• Trump has since threatened 100% tariffs on imports from countries still buying Russian oil unless Moscow accepts a peace deal with Ukraine. India TV NewsBusiness StandardFirstpostIndia TodayWikipedia

Despite mounting U.S. pressure, Indian officials have held firm: oil purchases from Russia will continue in light of long-term contracts and supply considerations. New Delhi maintains that its relationship with Russia is “steady and time-tested,” and energy decisions are driven by national interest, not political alignments. The New Indian ExpressAl JazeeraBusiness Standard

India’s Energy Calculation & Geopolitical Shift

Since the launch of the war in Ukraine in 2022, India’s reliance on Russian oil has surged—from a minimal 3% to around 35–40% by 2024. Western sanctions had left a vacuum in global energy supplies, which Indian refiners, led by giants like Reliance, moved to fill—scoring low-cost procurement while providing revenue to Moscow. Financial TimesWikipedia+1Indiatimes

These imports helped cushion domestic fuel prices and power India’s refining complex, even as international pressure mounted. As a result, criticisms have intensified—suggesting indirect support for Russia’s war effort. Financial Times

Strategic Fallout: U.S.–India Ties Under Strain

In recent days, the once-cozy rapport between President Trump and PM Modi appears to have cooled significantly. Former bonhomie has yielded to confrontation. Analysts point to trade conflicts, India’s Russia ties, and Washington’s sense of estrangement—particularly as Trump pivots toward Pakistan—as the catalysts behind this shift. The Washington PostFinancial Times

That said, dialogue continues. A Trump administration official hinted at a “full and frank” engagement with India aimed at managing core issues—energy, trade, and strategic alignment—while pursuing shared interests. The Economic Times

What’s Next?

Final Thoughts

Stephen Miller’s remarks mark a turning point in U.S.–India discourse—transforming long-standing friendship into confrontation centered around Ukraine. While India remains pragmatic about its energy needs, the geopolitical cost is rising. As global tensions mount, the real test lies in whether India can uphold its strategic autonomy while preserving crucial ties with both East and West.

Let me know if you’d like to explore how this might affect India’s defense procurement, its role in global oil markets, or the implications for regional diplomacy.