Trump Aide Accuses India, Says It Is Aiding Russia’s War In Ukraine: ‘Aligned With China’
Stephen Miller’s remarks stand out as one of the sharpest criticisms of India by Trump’s team so far.
A senior aide to US President Donald Trump has alleged that India is contributing to the funding of Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to import oil from Moscow. These remarks come as Trump intensifies pressure on New Delhi to end its energy trade with Russia.
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump’s deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller stated, “What he (Trump) made very clear is that it is not acceptable for India to keep financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia.”
Miller further added, “People will be surprised to know that India is almost at par with China in buying Russian oil. That’s truly a remarkable fact.” His remarks represent one of the most pointed attacks on India from the Trump side till now.
India, a crucial strategic partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific region, has maintained a robust energy relationship with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine and increasing Western sanctions on Moscow.
As per Indian officials cited by Reuters on Saturday, New Delhi plans to continue importing oil from Russia, stating that it is essential for the nation’s energy security requirements.
As part of its harder approach, the Trump administration last Friday levied a 25% tariff on Indian exports, citing India’s ongoing purchases of Russian energy and defence equipment. Trump has also warned of hiking tariffs up to 100% on imports from any country that continues to trade in Russian oil unless a comprehensive peace agreement is achieved.
In spite of these strong words, Miller also mentioned that Trump shares what he called a “tremendous” rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
