One of the top aides to US President Donald Trump has accused India of allegedly financing the Russian war against Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow. The development comes after the US president escalated pressure on New Delhi to stop buying Russian oil or face penalties, The Indian Express reported.

During an interview on Fox News‘ “Sunday Morning Futures”, Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, said, “What he (Trump) said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia."

Miller, who is seen as one of Trump’s most influential aides, criticised India for purchasing oil from Russia and effectively financing Moscow’s war against Kyiv. Miller’s criticism is being viewed as one of the strongest by the Trump administration yet about one of the US’ major partners in the Indo-Pacific, according to The Indian Express.