Trump Aide Criticizes India's Oil Purchases from Russia; India's Opposition Plans Meeting on Voter Rolls
In two separate developments, India is facing criticism from the U.S. government while its opposition parties mobilize to address a domestic political issue.
U.S. Accuses India of Funding Russia's War
A top aide to U.S. President Donald Trump has accused India of financing the war in Ukraine by continuing its significant purchases of Russian oil. The remarks from the Trump administration signal an intensification of pressure on India, a key Indo-Pacific partner.
The Accusation: White House Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, stated in a recent interview that it is "not acceptable" for India to continue buying oil from Russia. He expressed astonishment that India's purchases are "basically tied with China," calling it a fact that would "shock" people. This is one of the most forceful criticisms the Trump administration has directed at India on this issue.
India's Response: India has consistently defended its foreign policy and energy decisions as being in its national interest. Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India has greatly increased its intake of discounted Russian oil. Indian government sources have indicated that the country will not yield to U.S. pressure and will continue to buy oil from the most competitive sources available.
Wider U.S. Actions: Miller's comments come after the U.S. recently imposed a 25% tariff on certain Indian goods, effective August 7. President Trump has also threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from any nation that continues to buy Russian oil unless Russia agrees to a peace deal with Ukraine.
INDIA Bloc to Meet and Protest Over Electoral Rolls
The INDIA bloc, a coalition of Indian opposition parties, is preparing for its first in-person meeting since June 2024. The gathering is focused on a critical political issue: the "Special Intensive Revision" (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Meeting Agenda: The meeting, a dinner hosted by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, August 7, will serve to formulate a unified strategy against the SIR exercise. Opposition parties allege that the revision, which has reportedly removed millions of voters from draft rolls, particularly in Bihar, is a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise specific communities ahead of upcoming elections.
Planned Protest: Following the meeting, INDIA bloc leaders are scheduled to hold a joint protest march to the headquarters of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday, August 8. The ECI has opened a period for citizens to file claims and objections to the revised rolls, with the final list expected after September 1. The government has maintained that a debate on the ECI's actions cannot be held in Parliament as it is an independent constitutional body.
