NEW DELHI – A top adviser to former US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized India, alleging that its continued purchase of Russian oil is directly financing Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. The accusation, delivered by Stephen Miller, highlights an ongoing point of tension between the strategic allies despite their close relationship.
Miller, who served as Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff during his presidency, made the remarks during a recent public appearance. "It is not acceptable for India to continue the deal with Russia," Miller stated, explicitly linking the India-Russia oil agreement to the conflict. "The India-Russia oil deal is funding [the] fighting war on Ukraine... India-Russia oil deal funding war on Ukraine."
This criticism echoes expectations voiced during the previous Biden administration and reiterated by Trump himself in recent comments. It underscores the persistent US position that nations should curtail economic ties with Russia to limit its ability to wage war.
India Cites National Interest and Energy Security
In response to the criticism, Indian officials and analysts reiterated the country's long-standing position: its energy purchases are driven solely by national interest and the imperative of securing affordable energy for its massive population.
India, one of the world's most populous nations, has immense energy demands, requiring approximately 52,000 barrels of oil daily. To meet this need, India strategically diversifies its sources, importing oil from the Gulf region, the United States, Nigeria, and other global suppliers.
The significant discount offered on Russian crude oil following Western sanctions made it an economically vital source, particularly as global energy prices surged. Indian officials emphasize that this pragmatic approach helps stabilize domestic energy markets.
Refined Products Benefit Global Market
Further defending the purchases, analysts point out that Russian crude imported by India is refined within the country. A substantial portion of the resulting petroleum products is then exported to international markets, including European nations.
"This oil not only ensures energy supply in India but also contributes to the energy supply in many European countries," explained one commentator familiar with the energy sector. The argument posits that Indian refineries are playing a role in the global energy supply chain, mitigating market tightness.
A Persistent Point of Contention
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently clarified its stance following reports and Trump's earlier comments, explicitly stating that India has not halted its oil purchases from Russia. While Trump reportedly welcomed an impression of India potentially scaling back purchases, the MEA's statement confirmed the continuation of the trade.
Miller's comments, while acknowledging the "tremendous relationship" between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump and calling India "one of the closest allies the US has," underscore that the issue of Russian oil remains a significant point of friction. The expectation from Washington stands in direct contrast to New Delhi's assertion of its sovereign right to secure affordable energy for its economic stability and growth.
The dispute highlights the complex balancing act India faces in maintaining its strategic partnership with the US while safeguarding its own economic interests and energy security amidst the ongoing geopolitical turmoil caused by the Ukraine conflict.
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