India indirectly funds Ukraine war through Russian oil.
Last week, former U.S. President Donald Trump raised concerns over America’s trade imbalance with India, stating that the United States continues to face a massive trade deficit with the South Asian nation. Speaking at a campaign-style rally, Trump pointed out that India benefits significantly more from its trade relationship with the U.S. than the U.S. does in return. He criticized what he called “unfair trade practices” and stressed the need for stronger negotiation tactics to protect American economic interests. Trump has previously expressed similar views during his presidency, often targeting countries he believes exploit U.S. markets. His latest comments suggest that if he returns to office, trade dynamics with India could once again become a focal point of his foreign policy agenda.
India, a Friend or Foe? Trump Aide’s Scathing Critique Sparks Fresh Debate on U.S.-India Ties
New York: In a strongly worded statement that has raised eyebrows in diplomatic circles, Stephen Miller, a senior aide to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has accused India of hypocrisy in its global positioning — calling itself one of America’s closest allies while allegedly undermining U.S.
Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Miller claimed that India’s ongoing oil imports from Russia are “financing the war in Ukraine” — a conflict the Trump camp squarely blames on the Biden administration and the Democratic Party. “People would be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil,” Miller said, calling it an “astonishing fact.”
He didn’t stop there. “India portrays itself as being one of our closest friends in the world,” Miller noted, “but they don’t accept our products. They impose massive tariffs on us. We also know they engage in a lot of cheating on immigration policies, which is very harmful to American workers.
Miller’s comments add fuel to a fire ignited just days earlier by Donald Trump himself, who complained that the U.S.
He further announced a new 25% tariff on Indian imports, coupled with an additional penalty, starting August 1st. The move, if enforced under a future Trump administration, would mark a sharp departure from the growing economic cooperation that both nations have cultivated in recent years.
U.S. tariffs are being examined carefully. “India’s trade policy will always prioritize fairness and reciprocity,” Goyal said, hinting that New Delhi is prepared for diplomatic engagement but will not shy away from defending its position.
The remarks from Trump’s camp come at a time when U.S.-India relations are generally seen as strong and strategic, underpinned by growing cooperation in defense, technology, and global diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden have shared warm ties, and their administrations have made significant strides in deepening the bilateral partnership — especially as both nations eye China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
However, Trump’s rhetoric, echoing his “America First” approach, highlights unresolved issues that have lingered beneath the surface of this alliance. High tariffs on American goods, restrictions on data flows, intellectual property concerns, and immigration frictions — particularly around H-1B visa programs — have long been sticking points between Washington and New Delhi.
Miller insisted that Trump, if re-elected, would continue to seek a “tremendous relationship” with India and Prime Minister Modi, but that such friendship must be rooted in hard realities and mutual respect. “We need to get real about dealing with the financing of this war,” he said, referring to the Ukraine conflict. “President Trump has said all options are on the table — diplomatically, financially and otherwise — to bring this war to an end.”
For many observers, these statements indicate a potential reset in U.S.-India dynamics should Trump return to power in 2025. While strategic cooperation may continue, New Delhi could find itself under pressure to make concessions on trade and align more closely with Washington’s geopolitical agenda — particularly in relation to Russia.
As both India and the U.S. enter election cycles — India having just concluded its general elections, and the U.S. preparing for a high-stakes 2024 presidential contest — the tone and trajectory of bilateral relations remain a subject of close scrutiny. For now, the world watches as two democratic giants navigate the fine line between partnership and pressure.