Stephen Miller, a senior advisor to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has accused India of effectively financing Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow.
Kabul 24: This statement comes as Washington has recently intensified diplomatic pressure on New Delhi to halt its energy cooperation with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
India, one of the world’s largest oil importers, has significantly increased its purchases of Russian oil in recent years, taking advantage of competitive prices and substantial discounts.
Following Western sanctions on Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow sought alternative markets for its oil exports, and India emerged as a major buyer, second only to China.
This partnership has allowed India to meet its energy needs at lower costs while enabling Russia to maintain revenue streams despite international sanctions.
The United States and its allies have repeatedly urged India to scale back its trade with Russia, arguing that these purchases indirectly support Russia’s war efforts. However, Indian officials have resisted these calls, emphasizing that their energy decisions are driven by national interests, particularly the need to ensure affordable energy supplies for its 1.4 billion population.
Indian authorities have also noted that Russian oil is purchased below the price cap set by the European Union, making it a cost-effective option.Miller’s remarks, made during an appearance on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” highlighted India’s role as a significant buyer of Russian oil, comparing its imports to those of China.
He described the situation as “astonishing” and stated that it is “not acceptable” for India to continue funding Russia’s war through these purchases. Despite the criticism, Miller acknowledged the “tremendous” relationship between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These accusations risk straining U.S.-India relations, which have strengthened in recent years through strategic partnerships in defense and economic cooperation. India, however, remains committed to balancing its ties with both Russia and Western nations, creating new challenges in global diplomacy.
