India sourced just 1% of its oil from Russia before the Ukraine invasion in 2022. By mid-2023, imports peaked at over 2 million barrels per day, accounting for nearly 40% of India’s oil supply, according to data cited from Kpler. Miller noted that such levels directly fuel Moscow’s war chest, describing the situation as “astonishing.”

Though Miller tempered criticism by referencing Trump’s “tremendous” relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his statements marked one of the strongest condemnations from Washington since the war began. Trump has threatened tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing to buy Russian oil, using economic pressure to push for a Ukraine peace deal.

India Defends Ties With Russia As “Time-Tested”

India responded by reaffirming its longstanding ties with Moscow, dating back to the Soviet era. A Foreign Ministry statement called the relationship “steady and time-tested” and rejected the idea of aligning its foreign policy with third-party expectations. Sources told Reuters that India would not halt Russian oil purchases despite U.S. threats.

India also remains one of the largest buyers of Russian defense equipment. According to SIPRI, Russia remains the top supplier of military hardware to India. Prime Minister Modi has met with Putin repeatedly since 2022, attempting to balance ties between Western powers and Russia while securing discounted crude supplies.