Relations between New Delhi and Washington have further deteriorated after Stephen Miller—Trump's deputy chief—came out accusing India of practically subsidizing Russia's war in Ukraine. Miller’s remarks repurpose India’s oil purchases from Russia to be “financing” the war. Joe Trump stated for the first time he is not fine with India’s pro Russia stance, oil purchases by India are indeed helping Russia’s military offensive. Trump’s apology to India is that he understands India is essentially buying the oil from Russia. Miller labeled India’s oil trade with Russia astonishing considering that India is now essentially surpassing China as one of the top oil consumers of Russia’s Oil. India was always an important partner in the Indo Pacific regions and recently there have been growing concerns from the Trump administration regarding Indo Trump relations. There is still no statement from the Indian Embassy in Washington, but it is clear that India still plans to trade oil with Russia despite the growing concerns and possible consequences of sanctions from the US.The United States placed a 25% tariff on Indian goods because of the Indian government's purchase of energy and military products from Russia. In response, President Trump further stated he would place 100% tariffs on goods from countries that trade oil with Russia unless a significant peace deal in Ukraine is reached.Miller noted that Trump's “tremendous” relationship with the Indian Prime Minister Modi mitigates the impact of such tariffs. It is also clear that the Trump administration is balancing assertive diplomatic pressure with attempts to maintain the broader US-India relationship.
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