"India's Purchases of Russian Oil Nearly Match Those of China"
Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff and a key aide to U.S. President Donald Trump, criticized India for funding the Russia-Ukraine war by purchasing oil from Russia.
On August 3 (local time), appearing on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures, Miller stated, "People will be shocked to learn that the scale of India's purchases of Russian oil is virtually on par with that of China."
He emphasized, "President Trump has made it clear that it is unacceptable for India to continue funding this war (the Ukraine war) by purchasing Russian oil."
Reuters noted that this represents the Trump administration's strongest criticism yet of a major ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, Miller also softened the criticism somewhat by mentioning that the relationship between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely good.
The Indian Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment on this matter.
Previously, President Trump warned that countries importing Russian crude oil would face a 100% tariff if Russia did not sign a peace agreement with Ukraine. Since August 1, the United States has imposed a 25% tariff on Indian products, citing India's purchases of Russian military equipment and energy.
Despite pressure from the Trump administration, it appears that India will continue to purchase Russian oil. On August 1, the New York Times reported that India would persist in buying cheap Russian oil despite President Trump's threats. Two senior Indian officials told the New York Times that there would be no change in policy. The Indian government has not issued any directive to oil companies to reduce imports of Russian crude. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also stated at a press conference that there would be no change in policy toward Russia.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
