Trump waives major Russia sanctions and tariffs:India among countries facing 100% duty threat over Russian imports

US President Donald Trump has waived several sanctions, restrictions and duties that were due to come into effect under a law he signed last month. The decision comes as Trump has recently shown a softer approach towards Russia while repeatedly criticising Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Trump issued an executive order on Friday, saying the waiver was in the ‘national interests’ of the United States. Law could impose up to 100% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, was signed by Trump in mid-September. The law was backed in Congress primarily by the late Senator Lindsey Graham. It provided for tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported into the US from countries that continued to buy Russian oil or gas under certain conditions. The measures were also aimed at the five biggest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, as well as countries that knowingly purchased Russian oil or gas 30 days after the law came into force. Countries among the top five helping Russia evade US sanctions could also face the tariffs. India had raised concerns over Russia sanctions India is among the world’s biggest buyers of Russian oil and had raised concerns over the sanctions legislation. The proposed measures could have affected countries maintaining trade ties with Russia, particularly those continuing to purchase Russian crude. Trump’s decision to waive the sanctions and tariffs comes days before several provisions were due to take effect. Trump signals softer stance towards Russia, criticises Zelenskiy The waiver also comes at a time when Trump has been moving closer to Russia in his public statements while stepping up criticism of Zelenskiy. Trump has repeatedly criticised the Ukrainian president and has even suggested that Ukraine needs a new leader. In Friday’s executive order, Trump said he had submitted a certification to Congress stating that issuing the waiver at this time was in the national interest of the United States.