Concerns Over India’s Oil Purchases from Russia

On August 3, 2025, Stephen Miller, the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, voiced strong criticisms against India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. He claimed that these actions effectively support Russian military efforts in Ukraine, despite existing US tariffs.

“What [Trump] stated was clear: India cannot keep funding this war by buying oil from Russia,” Miller asserted.

He further noted, “Many might be surprised to find that India is, in a way, collaborating with China when it comes to Russian oil purchases. That’s quite a significant revelation,” he added during comments made on Sunday.

Miller referred to President Trump’s posts from late July, where Trump indicated that India historically acquires much of its military gear from Russia and highlighted that India is among Russia’s largest energy consumers. He emphasized that it’s troubling when both India and China are reluctant to address the ongoing violence in Ukraine.

Trump has made it clear that as a result of India’s actions, the country would face a hefty 25% tariff. This surcharge on Russian energy and military equipment purchases has already commenced as of early August.

Trump echoed sentiments in one of his tweets, expressing indifference toward India’s dealings with Russia while noting the high tariffs that hinder US-India trade.

While the Trump administration implements these additional tariffs, Indian government officials have indicated they have no intention of curtailing their oil imports from Russia, according to a report from Reuters.

Additionally, Trump has signaled the possibility of a drastic 100% tariff on any country continuing to source Russian oil unless a peace agreement in Ukraine materializes.