Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian energy exports, offering temporary relief to India and China a day before a deadline for their implementation was due to expire on Oct. 18.
In an executive order issued late Friday, Trump invoked a national interest provision under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he signed last month. The legislation authorised him to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas to pressure Moscow over its war against Ukraine.
“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said, adding that he had submitted a certification to Congress stating that the waiver was in the national interest of the United States.
The order pauses the implementation of the specified measures but does not permanently rule out their imposition. Trump retains the authority to introduce the tariffs at a later date.
What Is The Russia Sanctions Law?
The legislation aims to restrict Russia’s financial resources by targeting officials, banks, energy interests and entities supporting its military operations.
It allows the US president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil and gas. India and China were among the countries potentially affected, alongside Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.
However, the law does not automatically impose tariffs on these countries. The decision, timing and applicable rates remain at the president’s discretion. It also allows him to waive the measures by certifying to Congress that doing so serves US national interests.
India’s Trade And Energy Interests
The waiver comes amid trade tensions between Washington and New Delhi over India’s purchases of Russian oil.
Last year, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports over Russian crude purchases, on top of a 25% reciprocal tariff. The additional levy was removed in February 2026, while the reciprocal tariff was reduced to 18% under a US-India trade framework.
India has consistently defended its energy procurement policy, citing the need to ensure affordable supplies for its 1.4 billion people.
After the US Congress passed the sanctions legislation last month, the Ministry of External Affairs said India remained committed to safeguarding its trade and economic interests through diversified energy sourcing. It also noted that the potential implications of India’s Russian oil trade had been discussed with US officials.
Trump Signals A Softer Approach To Russia
The waiver follows Trump’s announcement last week of an arrangement for Russia to supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States, with further shipments expected in the coming months.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the deal, calling it “unworthy of our partners” and a “weak decision.”
Trump, meanwhile, criticised Zelensky’s inability to negotiate an end to the war and suggested Ukraine needed new leadership.
The latest order offers temporary relief to major buyers of Russian energy while leaving Washington the option of imposing the tariffs in the future.
