By In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, a senior aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly criticized India for continuing its purchase of discounted Russian oil amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, accusing New Delhi of indirectly financing the conflict. Stephen Miller, a top Trump adviser and former deputy chief of staff at the White House, made the remarks during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, calling India’s actions “unacceptable” and “astonishing.”
Miller’s comments come at a critical time as U.S.-India trade relations remain under negotiation, with a high-level American delegation scheduled to visit New Delhi on August 25. The Trump camp has also renewed its complaints about India’s “massive tariffs” on American goods and alleged misuse of the U.S. immigration system.
Strongest Criticism Yet
While the Trump administration has typically maintained warm relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, Miller’s recent comments mark one of the most pointed criticisms yet. “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,” Miller stated. “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”
He further warned that “all options are on the table” for dealing with India’s energy strategy, including diplomatic and financial measures, emphasizing the need to “achieve peace” in the region through tougher international pressure.
India’s Stance: National Interest First
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, has dramatically ramped up its imports of discounted Russian crude oil in the past two years, since the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. According to energy analytics firm Kpler, Russian oil now accounts for nearly 35–40% of India’s crude imports, a stark jump from less than 0.2% before the war.
Indian officials, including Prime Minister Modi, have consistently defended these purchases, arguing that they are necessary to protect India’s economic stability amid global market uncertainty. The steep discounts offered by Russia have allowed India to reduce its import bill, stabilize fuel prices domestically, and manage inflation.
India’s policy has not only helped cushion its economy from global oil price shocks but also enabled its refineries to export petroleum products, including to Western nations that have imposed direct sanctions on Russian energy. This has reportedly led Indian oil companies to post record profits over the last fiscal year.
Economic Cost of Policy Shift
Experts warn that if India is pressured to reduce or cut off imports of Russian crude, the economic cost could be substantial. According to Kpler, losing a $5 per barrel discount on 1.8 million barrels per day could push India’s annual import bill up by $9–11 billion. That figure could rise further if global prices climb due to tighter supply chains.
India’s total crude oil import cost last year stood at approximately ₹1.14 lakh crore (USD 14 billion). A forced pivot away from Russia could not only burden public finances but also have inflationary effects on food, transport, and energy.
Broader Tensions on Trade and Immigration
Beyond energy, Miller criticized India for imposing what he called “massive tariffs” on U.S. products, making it difficult for American businesses to compete fairly in the Indian market. He also alleged that India exploits the U.S. immigration system, although he did not provide specific examples during his interview.
Despite the criticisms, Miller emphasized that Trump “wants a tremendous relationship” with India and has long admired Prime Minister Modi. However, he asserted that cooperation cannot come at the cost of American economic and geopolitical interests.
Diplomatic Road Ahead
The timing of these remarks is notable, given the upcoming visit by a U.S. trade delegation to India aimed at resolving several pending issues related to tariffs, energy cooperation, and technology transfers. While current President Joe Biden’s administration has taken a more measured tone in public, the Trump camp’s statements may pressure Indian officials to reassert their strategic autonomy in foreign policy and trade.
As India balances its role as a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific and its deepening energy ties with Russia, the diplomatic path forward appears increasingly complex.
