Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and 100% Tariffs, Bringing Major Relief to India and China
Public Lokpal
October 17, 2026
Trump Waives Russia Sanctions and 100% Tariffs, Bringing Major Relief to India and China
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order waiving strict sanctions and tariff provisions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, providing a massive reprieve to major energy importers like India and China.
The legislation, signed into law the previous month, had granted the US government the power to levy punitive tariffs of up to 100% on goods coming from the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. These heavy secondary duties were set to take effect before Trump invoked the statutory waiver clause.
In his executive order, Trump certified to Congress that pausing these trade restrictions is in the "national interests of the United States," helping stabilize global fuel markets and calming soaring domestic energy costs ahead of upcoming midterms.
The decision averts an impending bilateral trade crisis for New Delhi, which has continuously relied on Russian crude imports.
The timely waiver also establishes a stable economic backdrop ahead of high-level diplomatic visits, including scheduled discussions between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.