A senior aide to President Donald Trump has publicly criticised India for its continued purchase of Russian oil, arguing that the country is indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. The comments come as the Trump administration intensifies its pressure on nations that maintain energy trade with Moscow.
Stephen Miller, a highly influential advisor to Trump, stated on 'Sunday Morning Futures' that Trump holds a clear position on the matter. "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 said.
During his press conference, Miller expressed surprise at the scale of India's oil trade with Russia. "People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil," he said. "That's an astonishing fact." Despite the escalating pressure from US officials and the Trump administration, India has not shown any indication of halting its oil imports from Russia. According to reports from the news agency Reuters, sources within the Indian government have affirmed their intention to continue the trade.
Miller did, however, temper his criticism by highlighting what he described as the "tremendous" relationship between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
TRUMP'S TARIFFS AND CRITICISM
The criticism from Miller follows recent actions by Donald Trump himself. On July 30, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian goods and hinted at potential penalties related to India's acquisition of Russian arms and oil. Following the tariff announcement, Trump launched a sharp attack on India's ties with Moscow, dismissing both countries as "dead economies" and stating that he "does not care" what India does with Russia.
Trump has previously indicated that he would consider imposing steep tariffs, potentially as high as 100 per cent, on imports from any country that continues to purchase oil from Russia, unless Russia agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine.
Also Read: 'More nuclear submarines than US': Russia's response to Trump
RUBIO CALLS OIL TRADE 'POINT OF IRRITATION'
In addition to the Trump administration's stance, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also criticised India's growing ties with Moscow. While acknowledging India as a 'strategic partner,' Rubio stated that its ongoing oil trade with Russia is a "point of irritation" in the broader US-India relationship.
India's imports of Russian oil have seen a dramatic increase in recent years. According to Reuters, before the Ukraine conflict began in 2021, Russian oil accounted for only 3 per cent of India’s total oil imports. This figure has since grown significantly, now comprising between 35 per cent and 40 per cent of India's total oil imports.
Also Read: Banishing Russian crude may cost India USD 9-11 bn
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