Washington, 4 August (H.S.): A senior official from the Trump administration criticized India for imposing massive tariffs on American goods, cheating the US immigration system, and purchasing Russian oil that funds Russia's war in Ukraine on Sunday.Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff, stated that India's oil purchases from Russia are on par with China and labeled it unacceptable amidst US pressure for India to halt trade with Moscow. He emphasized Trump's strong relationship with India while insisting on a realistic approach to the war financing. Miller noted that all options are on the table for diplomatic and financial responses to the situation in Ukraine.

In response, Indian government sources on Saturday confirmed that New Delhi would continue to buy Russian oil despite US threats, emphasizing that crude purchases are a commercial decision governed by refiners' discretion. Prime Minister Modi reiterated India’s commitment to its economic interests, noting the global instability and declaring that purchases would depend solely on domestic production.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar