A top official from the administration of former US President Donald Trump has harshly criticised India for continuing import of Russian oil, charging New Delhi with providing financial backing for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The comments reveal mounting dissatisfaction in US political circles regarding India’s increasing energy links with Russia and its neutral position in the dispute. Indian officials have maintained that the purchases are necessary for the country’s interests in spite of criticism from the West, which has led to a diplomatic impasse that may affect future US-India relations.
Stephen Miller’s Accusations: Oil, Trade, and Immigration
One of Trump’s most powerful former aides, Stephen Miller, criticised India for purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil in contravention of Western sanctions during an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. He claimed that by carrying on with this commerce, India is essentially “financing” the conflict in Ukraine.
Miller stated, “President Trump made it very clear that India cannot continue to finance this war by buying oil from Russia.” The fact that India and China are essentially bound in their purchases of Russian oil will surprise many. That is an incredible fact.
Miller accused India of “cheating” the US immigration system in addition to energy commerce, but he gave no specific justification. The remark probably alludes to Republican apprehensions regarding H-1B visas, which are widely utilised by Indian software firms and IT specialists.
Trump Administration’s Warning: “All Options on the Table”
Miller emphasised that Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have a long history of close ties, but stressed that if India continues to defy US pressure, the previous president will act.
“India and Prime Minister Modi have always had a great relationship, and President Trump wants a great one,” Miller said. However, we must face the reality of how this war is being funded. There are all possible ways to achieve peace, including diplomatic, financial, and other means.
It is clear from this message that a Trump administration in the future will not think twice about imposing trade restrictions, sanctions, or other steps to align New Delhi with US interests concerning Russia.
India Stands Firm on Russian Oil
India has so far declined to stop buying oil from Russia in spite of US pressure. Officials from the Indian government stated that there hasn’t been a directive to stop the import of petroleum, according to Bloomberg. Depending on price and supply reliability, India’s public and private oil refiners are allowed to purchase from any nation.
India has been able to control inflation and maintain constant fuel prices thanks to Russian oil pricing low. India has justified its stance by claiming that purchasing oil at the best prices is essential for maintaining stability at home and that energy security is a sovereign matter.
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Modi’s Economic Message: Prioritize Indian Interests
Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded forcefully to growing pressure from abroad. At an Uttar Pradesh rally, he emphasised the significance of safeguarding India’s economy in the face of unpredictable international circumstances.
“There are a lot of concerns about the global economy—there is an atmosphere of instability,” Modi stated. “There should be only one scale for everything we purchase: we will only purchase items that are the result of an Indian’s labour.”
Modi has long advocated for economic independence under the slogan “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India), and this rhetoric is consistent with that goal. In order to satisfy Western demands, India is not prepared to give up its energy or economic independence, as his remarks apparently suggest.
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Tariffs Escalate Tensions
The Trump administration recently levied a 25% duty on a variety of Indian products to the US, which sparked the verbal spat. Indian exporters are alarmed by the action, particularly those in important industries like clothing, chemicals, metals, and agriculture.
The government has hinted that if India keeps buying Russian crude, more action would be taken. This is viewed as a component of a larger attempt to deprive Moscow of funding for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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Trump Targets India Over BRICS Ties
A recent criticism of India’s membership in the BRICS economic group—which also consists of Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa—by Trump has further exacerbated the conflict. It is believed that the bloc might pose a threat to Western-led organisations like as the World Bank and IMF.
Trump claimed that the BRICS countries might “take their dead economies down together.” In order to balance China, the US formerly encouraged India’s participation in international frameworks; his comment represents a reversal of that approach.
Trump now looks more inclined to challenge New Delhi’s foreign policy choices, given that India now seems to be more in line with Russia and other non-Western states.
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US-India Relations: A Strategic Reset?
The United States has been cultivating better ties with India for years because it sees it as a natural ally in the fight against China’s growth. Washington mostly ignored it, putting strategic cooperation in Asia ahead of other disputes, even as India maintained its defence and energy alliances with Russia.
But Trump’s latest statements point to a possible change. Trump’s foreign policy strategy may be being re-examined in light of India’s neutral stance towards Ukraine, energy commerce with Russia, and growing support for non-Western blocs like BRICS.
The Trump team appears to be shifting towards a more transactional, pressure-based strategy rather than allowing India’s independence.
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Immigration Concerns: A Recurring Theme
An additional layer of tension is added by Miller’s criticism of India’s involvement in the US immigration system. With the Trump administration’s efforts to limit legal immigration and give preference to American workers, India has long been at the centre of immigration discussions as the country that receives the most US H-1B visas.
Miller’s remarks might suggest that visa reforms could resurface as a campaign issue, specifically aimed at nations perceived to be abusing current systems, even if no new immigration measures have been officially announced.
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India’s Non-Aligned Strategy
Recent years have seen a resurgence to non-alignment, the Cold War-era principle of remaining independent of major power blocs, in India’s foreign policy. India aims to maintain autonomy and act in its own national interests rather than having to choose between the West and nations like China or Russia.
While not explicitly denouncing Russia, India has called for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. It has maintained commerce with both the West and Russia and placed a strong emphasis on taking a multilateral approach to world issues.
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Conclusion
As the world prepares for yet another crucial US election year, who wins the presidency in 2025 might have a significant impact on US-India ties. If Trump wins re-election, there may be increased pressure, tariffs, and a tougher posture on India’s ties with Russia.
India has made it clear that it will act in its own best interests for the time being, putting its economic sovereignty and energy security ahead of demands from other countries.
In addition to having an impact on India-US relations, the outcome of this might modify the strategic balance in Asia, impact the course of the conflict in Ukraine, and draw new boundaries in a world that is becoming more and more multipolar.