Iran, Iraq, now Russia: Should India keep shifting oil suppliers based on Trump’s logic of friends or foes? NITI member asks

A top aide to US President Donald Trump has accused India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to buy discounted oil from Moscow, despite Western sanctions. Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, said during a Fox News interview that “it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia,” as Trump increased pressure on New Delhi over its energy ties with Russia. Miller added, “People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact.”

India’s response rooted in energy priorities

India's approach, according to NITI Aayog member Dr Arvind Virmani, is based on energy security and price considerations. Responding to the criticism, Virmani questioned whether India should continually adjust its oil sourcing in line with Western geopolitical shifts. “Iran was a significant supplier till it was sanctioned. Oil imports from Iraq have fluctuated as the West cycled between sanctions and bases. Russia was the preferred source of oil and gas for the EU/West. We are supposed to keep shifting our oil source, every time the West has a new enemy/friend!” he posted on X. As reported by Business Today.

India’s economic growth and energy needs

Virmani also reposted a comment from geopolitical strategist Velina Tchakarova, who noted that “India will become world’s economic power number 3 next to America and China” and will require reliable oil and gas supplies to support its growth. “There is no replacement for Russian oil,” she stated, citing Kpler and EOA data showing that Russia accounted for 45% of India’s crude oil imports. Other major suppliers include Iraq (18%), Saudi Arabia (12%), the UAE (9%), and the US (6%), with smaller contributions from Nigeria (3%), Angola (1%), Kuwait (1%), and others (5%).

Trade tensions deepen amid US sanctions proposals

Despite growing criticism, Indian government sources told Reuters that New Delhi intends to continue purchasing oil from Russia. Recent developments have added to the strain in US-India trade relations. Last Friday, the US imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods, partly in response to India’s defence and energy engagements with Russia.

Further escalation may follow. President Trump has warned of 100% tariffs on imports from countries that continue buying Russian oil unless a substantial peace agreement is reached between Moscow and Kyiv. Additionally, a bill in the US Senate, the Sanction Russia Act 2025, proposes a 500% tariff on nations that continue to import oil from Russia and do not support Ukraine.