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A top aide to Donald Trump accused India of effectively financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from the country, escalating pressure on New Delhi over its relations with Moscow.

“What he said very clearly is that it is not acceptable for India to continue financing this war by purchasing the oil from Russia,” Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, said, referring to the US president.

“People will be shocked to learn that India is basically tied with China in purchasing Russian oil. That’s an astonishing fact,” Mr Miller told Fox News.

Mr Miller’s criticism was some of the strongest yet by the Trump administration against a major partner of the US in the Indo-Pacific.

The Indian embassy in Washington did not issue a comment immediately.

Indian government sources told Reuters on Saturday that New Delhi would keep purchasing oil from Moscow despite US threats.