Date: August 3–4, 2025
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, a senior aide to former President Donald Trump, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, has accused India of “financing Russia’s war in Ukraine” by continuing to purchase Russian oil.
Miller called India’s continued purchases of Moscow crude “not acceptable” and went as far as stating India is now on par with China in terms of Russian oil import volumes—calling this comparison “astonishing”.
🔥 Trump’s Escalating Pressure
On July 30, 2025, President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian imports, citing India’s policies including ongoing energy and defense ties with Russia.
Trump further raised the stakes by warning that any country continuing to import Russian oil could face up to 100% tariffs unless Moscow agrees to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
🛢 India’s Response: Strategic Autonomy & Energy Needs
New Delhi has signaled it will continue importing Russian oil despite U.S. threats. Indian government sources told Reuters and others that decisions are guided by commercial factors—price, crude quality, logistics, and supply reliability—not political pressure.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated India relies on a “steady and time‑tested partnership” with Russia, and will continue energy trade based on national interest.
🌍 Context: India’s Oil Imports and Ukraine Criticism
Since the start of the Ukraine war, India has significantly increased imports of discounted Russian oil—jumping from around 1% of its imports to over 30–35% under a price‑cap regime.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has repeatedly criticized India’s stance, opposing neutrality and insisting choosing not to condemn Russia amounts to tacit support.
Western analysts and officials suggest India’s behavior complicates its relations with allies, as its imports and dual-use technology exports to Russia persist outside Western sanctions frameworks
📉 Economic and Geopolitical Stakes
Oil markets reacted swiftly: Brent crude surged 3.5% to around $72.50/barrel, as markets priced in rising geopolitical risk premiums amid threats of secondary sanctions targeting major buyers like India and China
In Congress, there is support for legislation imposing up to 500% tariffs on countries importing Russian energy or military goods, raising the possibility that broader economic tools may be applied against India.
[Newsroom staff written original, where key claims or facts are used, I’ve referenced the original sources (like Reuters, FT, etc.) transparently.]
