US waives Russia- related sanctions threatening 100 % tariffs on India, China

PTC News Desk: In a major relief for India and China, US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended several sanctions and tariffs linked to Russian exports. The decision came just one day before the measures were due to take effect under a bill he signed last month.

Trump said the suspension was in the national interest of the United States.

In an executive order issued late Friday, Trump said he was waiving the implementation of the sanctions, restrictions and duties provided under the Graham Act. He also informed Congress that suspending the measures at this time was in the US national interest.

However, the order only pauses the Russia-related tariffs. Trump can still impose them later if he decides to do so.

Trump had signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, named after Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong supporter of Ukraine in Washington. Graham died in July this year, shortly after returning from a visit to Kyiv.

The legislation gave Trump 30 days to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five biggest buyers of Russian crude oil: China, India, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan. It also allowed sanctions against several Russian entities and proposed tariffs of up to 500% on US imports of Russian energy products.

The 30-day deadline was due to expire on October 18.

What legislation about ?

The law aims to reduce the money available to Russia to continue its war against Ukraine. It targets Russian officials, banks, energy companies and foreign entities accused of supporting Moscow’s military operations.

It also gives Trump the authority to impose tariffs on countries that continue doing business with Russia, with the aim of reducing their dependence on Russian oil and gas. The legislation includes sanctions targeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and senior Russian government officials.

If implemented, the measures could have allowed tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, putting India and China among the countries facing potential penalties.

How Could the Tariffs Affect India?

If Trump had imposed a 100% tariff on Indian goods, it would have come on top of the existing 10% US tariff mentioned in the report. However, the exact impact on Indian exports would have depended on the final tariff rates and how the measures were implemented.

Trump’s closeness with Putin

The suspension comes as Trump has shown a more accommodating approach towards Russia while repeatedly criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump has even suggested that Ukraine should choose a new leader.

Last week, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which Russia would supply diesel to the United States. Russia was expected to deliver more than 300,000 tonnes immediately, followed by further shipments in the coming months.

Zelensky criticised the deal, calling it an unworthy move by the US and describing it as a weak decision. He also alleged that Russia was responding to the agreement by continuing its attacks on Ukraine. Trump, meanwhile, said Ukraine needed a new president who could reach an agreement to end the war with Russia. He criticised Zelensky for what he described as an inability to secure a deal.