Trump Waives Russia-Linked Tariffs on India and China, Delaying Up to 100% Duties

US President Donald Trump waived Russia-linked sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, delaying up to 100% duties on imports from India, China, and other buyers of Russian crude, citing US national interest. The suspension, issued late Friday, expires the October 18 deadline but leaves provisions intact for future imposition. The legislation targeted major Russian crude purchasers, including India and China, to curb Moscow's war financing. For India, the waiver averts immediate steep duties on exports, though existing pressures remain, including a reduced 18% reciprocal tariff after earlier 25% duties were lifted in February 2026. The relief may be temporary, as Trump can reimpose measures later. The waiver follows Trump's outreach to Moscow, including a diesel supply deal, and criticism of Ukraine's leader. India's foreign ministry reaffirmed energy security commitments, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20.