News Desk: US President Donald Trump has temporarily waived the application of certain sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian energy imports, easing the immediate threat of duties of up to 100% on goods from major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Trump invoked a waiver provision under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which he signed last month. The President said the decision was in the national interest of the United States.
The legislation was designed to increase economic pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. It gives the US President the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
However, the law does not automatically impose such tariffs. The President retains discretion over whether to introduce them, as well as their rate and timing.
Why Did Trump Issue the Waiver?
In an executive order, Trump said he was waiving the application of the sanctions, restrictions and duties provided for under the legislation. He also stated that he had submitted a certification to Congress confirming that the waiver served US national interests.
The directive suspends the immediate implementation of the proposed tariffs but does not permanently rule out their introduction. Trump could decide to impose them at a later date.
Under the law, the US Trade Representative, in consultation with the secretaries of state and energy, must identify the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and gas based on their purchases over the preceding 12 months. The list is to be reviewed every 180 days.
The legislation also allows the President to waive tariffs for individual countries by certifying to Congress that doing so serves the national interest.
Implications for India and China
India and China have been among the major buyers of Russian energy since the Ukraine war began. The possibility of steep US tariffs had raised concerns about the potential impact on their exports to the American market.
The latest waiver offers temporary relief from that immediate threat, although the possibility of future tariffs remains.
The decision also follows Trump's recent statement that the United States had agreed to buy diesel from Russia in an effort to bring down global energy prices, according to the Associated Press.
The waiver highlights the balancing act facing Washington as it seeks to pressure Moscow over the Ukraine conflict while considering energy prices and broader economic interests. For India, the immediate suspension reduces the risk of an additional tariff burden, but uncertainty over future US trade measures continues.
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