Washington, D.C. — August 4, 2025 -In a fiery escalation of rhetoric, a senior aide to President Donald Trump has launched a blistering attack on India, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government of funding Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy Russian oil.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s influential deputy chief of staff and a key architect of his foreign policy stance, pulled no punches during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures.
“What President Trump said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing oil from Russia,” Miller declared.
The explosive remarks represent one of the most pointed condemnations yet from Trump’s camp toward India — a long-standing U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific region. The accusation suggests a deepening divide between Washington and New Delhi over how to respond to Russia’s aggression.
“India Tied with China” in Russian Oil Buys
Miller continued his takedown with a startling revelation:
“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”
The claim has added fuel to a growing diplomatic firestorm, casting a shadow over India’s neutral stance and raising uncomfortable questions about its role in the global conflict.
New Delhi Defiant Amid Pressure
Despite the uproar, Indian officials are standing their ground.
The Indian Embassy in Washington declined to comment, but government insiders in New Delhi told Reuters that India will not bow to U.S. demands and will continue sourcing oil from Moscow.
“India will continue purchasing oil from Russia,” a senior Indian official stated. “Our national interests come first.”
Trump’s Economic Hammer Drops
As tensions rise, Trump isn’t holding back. A 25% tariff on Indian goods has already been implemented over the country’s defense and energy ties with Russia. And now, the former president is threatening to go further — with 100% tariffs on imports from any nation buying Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a sweeping peace deal in Ukraine.
This move aligns with Trump’s bold campaign promise to end the war “within 24 hours” if re-elected, using hardline economic and diplomatic pressure to isolate the Kremlin.
A “Tremendous” Relationship on Shaky Ground?
Despite the explosive accusations, Miller stressed that Trump still maintains a “tremendous” personal relationship with Prime Minister Modi. But even that rapport may not be enough to contain the fallout.
As the geopolitical chessboard shifts, India finds itself caught in a high-stakes storm — no longer just a passive observer, but now accused of enabling one of the world’s most devastating wars.