US President Donald Trump has temporarily waived Russia-related sanctions and tariffs targeting countries that purchase Russian oil, offering potential relief to India and China. The decision came just a day before the measures were due to take effect on October 18.

In an executive order issued late Friday, Trump said the waiver was in the national interest of the United States.

“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 confirming that the decision served US national interests.

However, the order only suspends the implementation of the measures. It does not permanently cancel them, leaving the administration with the option to impose the tariffs and sanctions at a later date.

India and China Among Countries Facing Tariff Threat
The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, authorised Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported from major buyers of Russian crude oil. The countries identified included China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan.

The law also provided for sanctions against Russian officials, banks, energy companies and other entities accused of supporting Moscow's military operations. In addition, it authorised tariffs of up to 500 per cent on US imports of Russian energy products.

The measures were intended to reduce Russia's energy revenues and limit the financial resources supporting its war against Ukraine.

Had the 100 per cent tariffs been imposed on India, they could have significantly affected bilateral trade. The additional duties would have come amid existing US tariffs on Indian goods, although the precise impact would have depended on the final rates and products covered.

India Reaffirms Commitment to Energy Security
India has repeatedly defended its purchases of Russian oil, arguing that its energy policy is guided by the need to ensure affordable and reliable supplies for its population of approximately 1.4 billion.

Following the passage of the sanctions legislation, India's Ministry of External Affairs said the country remained committed to protecting its trade and economic interests.

“India remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people,” the ministry said, adding that the country would continue diversifying its sources of energy according to changing market conditions.

New Delhi also said that the implications of its Russian oil trade had been discussed with US officials at various levels in recent months. India had highlighted the potential consequences for bilateral relations and international energy markets.

India-US trade relations had faced tensions in 2025 after Washington imposed additional tariffs linked to India's purchases of Russian crude. Those additional duties were subsequently removed in February 2026, while the reciprocal tariff was reduced to 18 per cent under a bilateral trade framework, according to the reported account.

Trump Signals Shift in Approach Towards Russia
The decision to suspend the measures comes amid changes in Trump's approach to Moscow and his increasingly public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump has questioned Zelensky's leadership and suggested that Ukraine needs a new president, citing the Ukrainian leader's failure to reach a deal to end the war.

The US president also announced a reported agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin involving the supply of more than 300,000 tonnes of Russian diesel to the United States, with additional shipments expected in the following months.

Zelensky criticised the reported arrangement, describing it as an unworthy decision by Ukraine's partners and accusing Moscow of continuing attacks on Ukraine despite the agreement.

The temporary suspension of Russia-related tariffs could ease immediate trade concerns for India and China. However, the possibility of their future implementation leaves uncertainty over energy trade, international markets and Washington's economic relations with countries continuing to purchase Russian oil.

Sun News/ rabbi