GUWAHATI: US President Donald Trump has waived the implementation of several sanctions, restrictions and tariffs linked to Russian exports, providing temporary relief to India and China a day before the measures were due to take effect.
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In an executive order released late Friday, October 16, Trump said the waiver was being issued in the “national interest” of the United States. The decision suspends the implementation of Russia-related sanctions and tariffs authorised under legislation signed by him last month.
“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said in the order, adding that he had submitted a certification to Congress stating that the waiver was in the US national interest.
The legislation, backed by the late US Senator Lindsey Graham, was passed with bipartisan support in Congress and aimed to restrict the financial resources sustaining Russia's war against Ukraine. It provided for sanctions against Russian officials, banks and a shadow fleet of tankers involved in transporting Russian energy exports.
The law also authorised Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas. Countries that imported less than 15% of Russia's natural gas exports and had taken significant steps to reduce their dependence on Russian supplies could qualify for an exemption.
India and China were among the countries potentially facing the additional tariffs because of their purchases of Russian energy. The suspension has therefore provided both countries with temporary relief from the threat of steep trade penalties.
The move comes amid Washington's efforts to bring down global energy prices ahead of the US midterm elections. The White House has reportedly pressed Ukraine to halt attacks on Russian oil facilities, although Kyiv has resumed strikes, while Russia has continued targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Trump's decision has drawn criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Washington, with concerns that easing pressure on Moscow could undermine efforts to restrict the funding available for its military campaign in Ukraine.
The announcement also follows Trump's statement last week that the United States had agreed to purchase diesel from Russia as part of efforts to reduce global energy prices, signalling a shift in approach amid continuing pressure on fuel markets.
For India, the development comes against the backdrop of recent trade tensions with Washington. Last year, Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports over New Delhi's purchases of Russian crude oil, on top of a 25% reciprocal tariff. The additional duties were removed in February 2026, while the reciprocal tariff was reduced to 18% under a US-India trade framework.
Had the latest legislation been implemented through additional tariffs of up to 100%, Indian exports to the US could have faced further pressure. However, the precise impact would have depended on the tariff rates ultimately imposed.
The latest waiver does not permanently eliminate the possibility of such measures. It suspends their implementation, leaving Trump with the option of imposing the tariffs at a later stage.
The decision offers temporary relief to countries dependent on Russian energy supplies, but uncertainty remains over Washington's future sanctions policy and its implications for global energy markets and international trade.
