Trump exempts India, 4 nations from Russia oil tariffs

US President Donald Trump announced that India and four other countries will not face tariffs for purchasing oil and gas from Russia, citing national interest. The exemption applies under the Russia and Iran sanctions act. Trump signed the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026" on September 19, targeting the top five buyers of Russian crude: China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. The bill passed the US Senate 86-11 in August, but Trump has now clarified these nations face no tariffs. Last week, Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel to the US immediately, with more shipments later. Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized the agreement as "insulting to our partners" and a "weak decision," accusing Moscow of showing "gratitude" through attacks on Ukraine.