"The Harshest Criticism"

On the 4th, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social, accusing India of "selling Russian oil in the open market and making huge profits." Last week, he went on a lengthy rant about Russia and India on the platform, stating, "They could team up to destroy their already failing economies."

On the 3rd, Trump’s hardline deputy chief of staff, Miller, appeared on Fox News. Huanqiu cited a Reuters report stating that Miller said, "Trump has made it clear that it is unacceptable for India to continue funding this war by purchasing Russian oil." Trump could employ "all options" against India, including diplomatic and economic measures. The report described this criticism as the harshest rebuke yet from the Trump administration toward America’s key partner in the "Indo-Pacific."

Compared to the beginning of Trump’s second term earlier this year, the warmth between the two nations has significantly cooled. In February, Indian PM Modi was among the first foreign leaders received by Trump, with the two sharing a hug and praising their "great friendship." Indian officials insist that before Trump’s public remarks, Russia had never even been mentioned in trade talks.

The UK’s Guardian reported that India-U.S. cooperation has deepened in regional security, defense, trade, intelligence, and technology, alongside a growing Indian diaspora in America. Under its "non-aligned" foreign policy, India has maintained close ties with Russia for decades while strengthening relations with the U.S.—a stance largely tolerated by Washington. After Trump’s threats, Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jaiswal reiterated this position.

"Our bilateral relations with countries stand on their own merit and should not be viewed through the prism of a third country. India and Russia share a stable and time-tested partnership," Jaiswal stated. In his declaration on the 4th, he added that India’s shift to buying Russian oil was a "compelled choice"—after the Russia-Ukraine war, traditional suppliers redirected supplies to Europe, and the U.S. had explicitly supported India’s move to stabilize global energy markets. India’s imports aim to ensure affordable energy for its citizens, a necessary measure amid global market volatility.

Former Indian Foreign Minister Shyam Saran was blunt in an op-ed for The Indian Express. "Donald Trump’s second term as president should have been good for India," he wrote. "Instead, it has turned into a nightmare."