Key Takeaways
- A senior aide to President Donald Trump has accused India of financially supporting Russia's war in Ukraine through its continued purchases of Russian oil, intensifying pressure on New Delhi.
- More than 600 former Israeli security officials have formally requested that President Trump intervene to force Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- The accusation against India highlights a growing point of contention in U.S. foreign policy, with the Trump administration criticizing India's alignment with China in continuing to buy Russian oil despite U.S. threats of tariffs.
- The letter from Israeli officials, sent in May 2025, asserts that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have largely achieved their objectives in Gaza and that continued fighting risks hostages' lives and prolongs suffering.
A senior aide to President Donald Trump on Sunday accused India of effectively financing Russia's war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow. Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, stated that it is "not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia." This strong criticism comes as the U.S. leader escalates pressure on New Delhi to halt these oil transactions.
Miller emphasized that people would be "shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil," highlighting the significant volume of these transactions. Despite U.S. threats, India has indicated its intention to continue buying Russian oil, which could lead to tariffs on Indian products.
In a separate but equally significant development, over 600 former Israeli security officials have appealed to President Trump to use his influence to end the war in Gaza. The group, known as "Commanders for Israel's Security," sent a letter in May 2025, urging Trump to leverage his upcoming meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire and the release of captives.
The signatories, including hundreds of former senior figures from the Israeli military, intelligence agency (Aman), the Mossad, and internal security service Shin Bet (Shabak), argue that the IDF has largely accomplished its dual mission of dismantling Hamas governance and destroying its military capabilities. They contend that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel. The letter stresses that further fighting "risks the lives of hostages, will continue to cost yet more IDF casualties and prolong the suffering of innocent Palestinians." They also expressed hope that Trump's visit would mark a turning point, given his stated objective of ending wars and his popularity among Israelis.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.