Washington: US President Donald Trump has waived certain tariff provisions targeting countries that import Russian crude oil and natural gas, easing a potential trade risk for India and China under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.
The decision comes about a month after Trump signed the legislation, which provided for steep duties on imports from major buyers of Russian energy. Under the law, tariffs of up to 100% could have been imposed on goods entering the United States from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
Trump invoked Section 115 of the Act to issue the waiver, citing the national interests of the United States. In his order, he said he had submitted a certification to Congress explaining the basis for the decision, in accordance with Section 115(b).
Trump Suspends Tariff Provisions Under Graham Act
The waiver covers duties provided for under Sections 112 and 113 of the legislation. These provisions authorised the US administration to impose additional tariffs on imports linked to Russian energy trade.
According to the order, the law allowed duties of up to 500% on goods imported directly from Russia and up to 100% on goods from the five largest importers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas.
The decision offers potential relief to India, which had raised concerns with Washington over the legislation and the possibility of higher tariffs on its exports to the US.
US-Russia Diesel Deal Behind the Move
The waiver comes amid a reported diesel supply arrangement between Washington and Moscow, as diesel prices in the United States have risen ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump said Russia would initially supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel, followed by another 500,000 tonnes in November and one million tonnes immediately thereafter.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President said a further three million tonnes could be supplied within a short period, depending on the condition of Russia’s diesel refineries.
Trump described the arrangement as a “big deal” and thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for agreeing to supply what he called “massive amounts” of diesel to the United States.
India Raises Concerns Over US Sanctions Legislation
India had previously conveyed its concerns to Washington over the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, particularly its potential impact on trade with countries purchasing Russian energy.
On Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s position on maintaining stability in global energy markets following the reported US-Russia diesel arrangement.
“We do not wish to comment on commercial arrangements that have been made between two countries, except to say that we have always advocated for stability in global energy markets,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal also confirmed that India had directly communicated its objections to the US over the legislation targeting trade ties with Russia.
“We have already conveyed to the US side our concerns regarding the SRIA legislation,” he said.
The waiver eases the immediate tariff threat associated with the specified provisions of the Act. Its broader implications for US-India trade and Washington’s approach to countries importing Russian energy will depend on the scope and implementation of the decision.