Rubio defends Trump's 60-day Russia sanctions waiver, citing India's strategic role

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Donald Trump's 60-day waiver on Russia-related sanctions, citing India's strategic importance as a US ally and the need to assess broader economic impacts. He spoke at Joint Base Andrews on Saturday. Rubio explained that countries like India cannot immediately stop buying Russian energy despite diversification efforts, and that imposing sanctions and tariffs simultaneously could destabilize global energy markets. He responded to criticism from Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who called the waiver a mistake benefiting Putin. Rubio cited ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, including disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks, as factors requiring careful review. He noted the US previously issued a similar waiver for Russian oil during shipping difficulties.