On August 3, 2025, Stephen Miller, White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security, sharply criticized India’s continued importation of Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of indirectly funding Russia’s war in Ukraine. Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Miller stated, “President Trump has made it unequivocally clear that it is unacceptable for India to finance this conflict through Russian oil purchases.” He further noted that India’s oil imports from Russia are comparable to China’s, describing the scale as “astonishing.” The remarks represent the strongest rebuke yet from the Trump administration toward India, a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump Administration Imposes Tariffs on Indian Goods
In a significant escalation, the Trump administration imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods on July 31, 2025, citing India’s ongoing energy and defense transactions with Russia. President Trump has warned of further increasing tariffs to 100% on nations continuing to purchase Russian oil unless Moscow agrees to a substantial peace agreement in the Ukraine conflict. The move underscores growing tensions between Washington and New Delhi, despite Miller’s acknowledgment of the “tremendous” relationship between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India Defends Energy Security Priorities
India, a vital player in global energy markets, has maintained its robust trade ties with Russia despite Western sanctions and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Indian officials, quoted by Reuters on August 2, 2025, defended the decision to continue purchasing Russian oil, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring the nation’s energy security. New Delhi’s stance reflects its strategic balancing act, prioritizing domestic needs while navigating complex international pressures.
Modi Advocates for Peace and Diplomacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. During a 2022 meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Samarkand, Modi declared, “Today’s era is not of war,” stressing the importance of democracy and diplomatic engagement. In response, Putin acknowledged India’s concerns, stating Russia’s desire to end the conflict swiftly while attributing delays to Ukraine’s leadership. India’s position underscores its commitment to non-alignment and its role as a mediator in global disputes.
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