Trump's top adviser accuses India of funding Russia's war in Ukraine

A senior adviser to President Donald Trump on Sunday accused India of effectively funding Russia's war in Ukraine by buying oil from Moscow, as the US president increased pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil.

"What he (Trump) has said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue to finance this war by buying oil from Russia," said Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and one of Trump's most influential advisers.

Miller's criticism was one of the Trump administration's harshest comments yet against one of the United States' most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

"People will be shocked to learn that India is practically on par with China in buying Russian oil. That's a surprising fact," Miller said on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures."

The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi would continue to buy oil from Moscow despite the US threats.

A 25% tariff on Indian products went into effect on Friday over Russia's purchases of military equipment and energy from India. Trump has also threatened a 100% tariff on US imports from countries that buy Russian oil unless Moscow reaches a comprehensive peace deal with Ukraine.

Miller tempered his criticism by pointing to Trump's relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as "excellent."

https://www.reuters.com/