Trump's Russia Oil Waiver: Midterm Politics and India-US Trade Deal Stakes

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday waiving sanctions and tariffs on countries like India that buy Russian energy, suspending most punitive provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act just two days before they were due to take effect. The reversal appears driven by domestic concerns ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, as high energy prices have hurt Trump's approval ratings. The waivers remove uncertainty that had complicated India-US trade negotiations, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio has flagged a 60-day review of the decision. Trade experts say the waiver improves prospects for an interim India-US trade deal, but concerns remain. India seeks tariff advantages over competitors like Vietnam and China, while Washington pushes for greater market access. The Global Trade Research Initiative warns the waiver offers only temporary relief, as the act remains law and tariff threats could be revived.