Webdesk: A senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised India for continuing to buy oil from Russia, accusing New Delhi of indirectly helping finance the war in Ukraine.
The remarks come as Washington ramps up pressure on India to halt purchases of Russian energy.
Stephen Miller, a close aide and deputy chief of staff during Trump’s presidency, said on Sunday, “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.”
He made the comments during an interview on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures. Expressing frustration at India’s continued oil trade with Moscow.
Miller noted that India is now nearly level with China in terms of Russian oil imports. A comparison he described as “an astonishing fact.”
Reports from Indian officials suggest that New Delhi has no plans to stop buying Russian oil. Despite growing pressure from Washington.
Trump, while speaking to reporters on Sunday, said he may send special envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow later in the week, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.
He warned that sanctions would follow if Russia failed to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine before Friday. “They’re wily characters and they’re pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we’ll see what happens,” he added.
Meanwhile, US Senator Lindsey Graham has also issued a stern warning to countries like India, China, and Brazil.
He said that continuing to purchase discounted oil from Russia would lead to severe economic fallout.
“If you continue to buy cheap Russian oil, we will wreck your economy. What you’re doing is blood money,” Graham said, adding that the matter is not just economic but moral.
“Trump is going to put tariffs on those who buy Russian oil,” Graham declared, making it clear that India, China, and Brazil are on Washington’s radar.
Read more: US Senator warns India of economic destruction over Russian oil trade
