PoliticsUpdated 17 Oct 2026
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On 16 October 2026, US President Donald Trump waived new sanctions and tariffs on buying Russian oil and gas. The tariffs were due to start on 18 October. India is among the big buyers, so Indian exports and fuel costs could be affected.
Congress passed a law on Russia and Iran sanctions. Trump signed it on 18 September 2026. On 16 October, he signed an executive order (a presidential order that needs no vote in Congress). It waived, or set aside for now, the law's sanctions, restrictions and tariffs.
The law could have put tariffs (taxes on imported goods) of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil. India is among the biggest buyers. A higher US tariff makes Indian goods dearer in the US. Analysts also said tariffs could push oil prices higher.
Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction, restriction or duty in the Act. Before doing so, he must send Congress a written certification that the waiver is in US national interests. He must also send a report explaining why. No court ruling on a Section 115 waiver was found.
Section 117 lets the President end sanctions or tariffs under the Act. Section 117(b) sets a process for Congress to pass a joint resolution of disapproval, which is a vote against the ending. A research service describes this process for ending sanctions, not for waivers. No equal process for a Section 115 waiver was found.
The order cites Section 115(a). It waives sanctions, restrictions and duties, including the 500% and 100% tariffs. It says the waiver lasts until further action is judged appropriate. Reports say it did not explain why the waiver serves the national interest.
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Supporters say the waiver serves US national interests and avoids harm from higher oil prices.
Critics say the waiver weakens pressure on Russia to end its war with Ukraine.
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Congress passed a law on Russia and Iran sanctions. Trump signed it on 18 September 2026. On 16 October, he signed an executive order (a presidential order that needs no vote in Congress). It waived, or set aside for now, the law's sanctions, restrictions and tariffs.
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The law could have put tariffs (taxes on imported goods) of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil. India is among the biggest buyers. A higher US tariff makes Indian goods dearer in the US. Analysts also said tariffs could push oil prices higher.
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No Article of the Constitution of India or Indian Act section is named in the notes. This is a US law. Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction or duty in it. He must first send Congress a written certification that it serves US national interests, plus a report. No court ruling on this waiver was found.
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Trump says the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. Analysts say the tariffs could have raised oil prices before the US midterm elections. Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia. Indian media call it relief for India; no official Indian response was found.
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The order says the waiver lasts until Trump or his officials decide further action is appropriate. So no end date is set. Some outlets call it a pause, so the US could enforce the measures later. No court case or Indian government response was found. Which sanctions remain is described differently by different outlets.
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Top tariff on goods from Russia: Up to 500% Tariff on top five buyers of Russian oil or gas: Up to 100% Tariff on top five helpers in dodging oil sanctions: Up to 100% Date the tariffs were due to start: 2026-10-18 Date of the waiver order: 2026-10-16
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Supporters say the waiver serves US national interests and avoids harm from higher oil prices.
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Critics say the waiver weakens pressure on Russia to end its war with Ukraine.
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On the US legal side, the Act itself gives the President a waiver power under Section 115.
US waiver of sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil and gas purchases On 16 October 2026, US President Donald Trump waived new sanctions and tariffs on buying Russian oil and gas. The tariffs were due to start on 18 October. India is among the big buyers, so Indian exports and fuel costs could be affected. TIMELINE 2026-09-18: Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. 2026-10-16: Late at night US time, Trump signed an executive order waiving the law's sanctions, restrictions and tariffs. 2026-10-17: Indian and world outlets reported the waiver. Many said it eased the tariff threat to India. 2026-10-18: The new tariffs were due to start. The waiver came before this date. THE BASICS What happened? Congress passed a law on Russia and Iran sanctions. Trump signed it on 18 September 2026. On 16 October, he signed an executive order (a presidential order that needs no vote in Congress). It waived, or set aside for now, the law's sanctions, restrictions and tariffs. Why does it matter? The law could have put tariffs (taxes on imported goods) of up to 100% on top buyers of Russian oil. India is among the biggest buyers. A higher US tariff makes Indian goods dearer in the US. Analysts also said tariffs could push oil prices higher. What do the law and the Constitution say? No Article of the Constitution of India or Indian Act section is named in the notes. This is a US law. Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction or duty in it. He must first send Congress a written certification that it serves US national interests, plus a report. No court ruling on this waiver was found. What does each side say? Trump says the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. Analysts say the tariffs could have raised oil prices before the US midterm elections. Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia. Indian media call it relief for India; no official Indian response was found. What is still undecided? The order says the waiver lasts until Trump or his officials decide further action is appropriate. So no end date is set. Some outlets call it a pause, so the US could enforce the measures later. No court case or Indian government response was found. Which sanctions remain is described differently by different outlets. FACTS AND FIGURES Top tariff on goods from Russia: Up to 500% (Reuters) Tariff on top five buyers of Russian oil or gas: Up to 100% (Reuters) Tariff on top five helpers in dodging oil sanctions: Up to 100% (Reuters) Date the tariffs were due to start: 2026-10-18 (India Today) Date of the waiver order: 2026-10-16 (Reuters) PERSPECTIVES Supporters argue: Supporters say the waiver serves US national interests and avoids harm from higher oil prices. - Trump told Congress the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. - Analysts say the tariffs could have raised oil prices before the US midterm elections. - Indian media describe the waiver as relief for India and China. Critics argue: Critics say the waiver weakens pressure on Russia to end its war with Ukraine. - Lawmakers from both US parties criticised the waiver. - Representative Don Beyer, a Democrat, said Trump was giving in to Putin. - Some senators said an earlier diesel deal could help fund Russia's war. Constitutional lens: On the US legal side, the Act itself gives the President a waiver power under Section 115. - The President must send Congress a certification and a report first. - A law firm says the Act keeps broad presidential waiver power. - Critics say the waiver goes against what Congress wanted. - No legal challenge or court ruling was found. Economic lens: Supporters say the waiver avoids oil price rises, while critics say it lets Russia keep earning from oil and gas. - Analysts warned the tariffs could push oil prices higher. - Americans already face higher costs linked to the war on Iran. - Critics say Russia keeps its oil and gas income. - India buys a lot of Russian crude, which is part of its energy security. Argued benefit for India: Indian media say the waiver removes the threat of a 100% US tariff and lifts hopes for a trade deal. - A 100% tariff would have added to an existing 10% US tariff on Indian goods. - Reports say Indian buying of Russian crude is expected to continue. - A think-tank says it brings temporary relief for India. Argued risk for India: Some reports say the waiver only suspends the measures, so the US could enforce them later. - The order has no fixed end date and can change when officials decide. - Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had flagged concerns about the Act, one report says. - No official Indian response was found. WORDS EXPLAINED tariff: A tax on goods brought in from another country. It makes those goods cost more. waived: Set aside for now. The rule still exists, but it is not applied. executive order: A written order from the US President. It needs no vote in Congress. sanctions: Penalties one country puts on another to pressure it. They can limit trade or banking. certification: A written statement the President must send to Congress. Here it says the waiver is in US national interests. joint resolution of disapproval: A vote by both houses of Congress against a decision. The Act sets it for ending sanctions. midterm elections: US elections held halfway through a President's term. They choose members of Congress. energy security: Having steady and affordable fuel supplies for a country. Congress: The US parliament. It has two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives. WHAT THE LAW SAYS The President's power to waive Russia sanctions (Section 115, Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (H.R. 533): Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction, restriction or duty in the Act. Before doing so, he must send Congress a written certification that the waiver is in US national interests. He must also send a report explaining why. No court ruling on a Section 115 waiver was found. Ending sanctions and a vote against it (Section 117, Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026): Section 117 lets the President end sanctions or tariffs under the Act. Section 117(b) sets a process for Congress to pass a joint resolution of disapproval, which is a vote against the ending. A research service describes this process for ending sanctions, not for waivers. No equal process for a Section 115 waiver was found. Trump's executive order of 16 October 2026 (Executive order citing Section 115(a) of the Act): The order cites Section 115(a). It waives sanctions, restrictions and duties, including the 500% and 100% tariffs. It says the waiver lasts until further action is judged appropriate. Reports say it did not explain why the waiver serves the national interest. WHAT THE SOURCES SHOW Established: Trump signed an executive order on 16 October 2026. It waived sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Graham Act. The tariffs were due on 18 October. Trump told Congress the waiver is in US national interests. Claimed by one side: Supporters say it serves US interests, avoids higher oil prices and gives India relief. Claimed by the other side: Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia. Not yet decided: The waiver has no set end date. Outlets differ on how much was waived, calling it key, many, some or nearly all. No court ruling, Indian government response or reason from the White House was found. SOURCES Reuters - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-waives-many-russia-related-sanctions-tariffs-before-they-were-take-effect-2026-10-17/ The Times of India - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/trump-waives-russia-sanctions-restrictions-and-duties-under-graham-act-diesel-us-midterms/articleshow/135005808.cms News On AIR - https://newsonair.gov.in/trump-waives-sanctions-under-russia-and-iran-sanctions-law-citing-us-national-interest/ The Indian Express - https://indianexpress.com/article/world/trump-waives-sanctions-russia-bill-tariffs-purchase-oil-gas-putin-india-10925343/ India Today - https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/trump-waives-russia-oil-sanctions-that-threatened-100-tariffs-on-india-day-before-it-were-to-take-effect-3019375-2026-10-17 The Hindu - https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/donald-trump-waives-sanctions-tariffs-on-purchase-of-russian-oil-and-gas/article71595243.ece The New Indian Express - https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Oct/17/trump-waives-russia-related-tariffs-offering-india-relief-on-oil-imports BBC - https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxr5yvzv7rp0o The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/oct/17/trump-puts-new-russia-sanctions-passed-by-congress-on-hold-amid-deepening-row-with-ukraine The Hindu - https://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/indias-russian-crude-binge-to-continue-after-trump-waives-new-sanctions-law/article71595889.ece The Hindu - https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/trump-blocking-russia-sanctions-a-historic-moment-putins-envoy/article71595853.ece The Indian Express - https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/trump-russia-oil-sanctions-waiver-india-us-trade-deal-10925530/ NDTV - https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/donald-trump-waives-many-russia-related-sanctions-tariffs-under-lindsey-graham-act-in-relief-for-india-china-amid-ukraine-war-12197563 The Times of India - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/trump-waives-us-sanctions-tariffs-on-russian-oil-gas-what-it-means-for-india/articleshow/135006269.cms More: https://socialwire.in/issues/us-waiver-of-sanctions-and-tariffs-on-russian-oil-and-gas-pu
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No Article of the Constitution of India or Indian Act section is named in the notes. This is a US law. Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction or duty in it. He must first send Congress a written certification that it serves US national interests, plus a report. No court ruling on this waiver was found.
Trump says the waiver is in the national interests of the United States. Analysts say the tariffs could have raised oil prices before the US midterm elections. Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia. Indian media call it relief for India; no official Indian response was found.
The order says the waiver lasts until Trump or his officials decide further action is appropriate. So no end date is set. Some outlets call it a pause, so the US could enforce the measures later. No court case or Indian government response was found. Which sanctions remain is described differently by different outlets.
Established: Trump signed an executive order on 16 October 2026. It waived sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Graham Act. The tariffs were due on 18 October. Trump told Congress the waiver is in US national interests.
Claimed by one side: Supporters say it serves US interests, avoids higher oil prices and gives India relief.
Claimed by the other side: Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia.
Not yet decided: The waiver has no set end date. Outlets differ on how much was waived, calling it key, many, some or nearly all. No court ruling, Indian government response or reason from the White House was found.
Hard words used on this page, in plain English.
On the US legal side, the Act itself gives the President a waiver power under Section 115.
Supporters say the waiver avoids oil price rises, while critics say it lets Russia keep earning from oil and gas.
Indian media say the waiver removes the threat of a 100% US tariff and lifts hopes for a trade deal.
Some reports say the waiver only suspends the measures, so the US could enforce them later.
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Supporters say the waiver avoids oil price rises, while critics say it lets Russia keep earning from oil and gas.
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Indian media say the waiver removes the threat of a 100% US tariff and lifts hopes for a trade deal.
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Some reports say the waiver only suspends the measures, so the US could enforce them later.
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Section 115 lets the US President waive any sanction, restriction or duty in the Act. Before doing so, he must send Congress a written certification that the waiver is in US national interests. He must also send a report explaining why. No court ruling on a Section 115 waiver was found.
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Section 117 lets the President end sanctions or tariffs under the Act. Section 117(b) sets a process for Congress to pass a joint resolution of disapproval, which is a vote against the ending. A research service describes this process for ending sanctions, not for waivers. No equal process for a Section 115 waiver was found.
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The order cites Section 115(a). It waives sanctions, restrictions and duties, including the 500% and 100% tariffs. It says the waiver lasts until further action is judged appropriate. Reports say it did not explain why the waiver serves the national interest.
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Established: Trump signed an executive order on 16 October 2026. It waived sanctions, restrictions and tariffs under the Graham Act. The tariffs were due on 18 October. Trump told Congress the waiver is in US national interests. Claimed by one side: Supporters say it serves US interests, avoids higher oil prices and gives India relief. Claimed by the other side: Critics, including lawmakers from both US parties, say it weakens pressure on Russia. Not yet decided: The waiver has no set end date. Outlets differ on how much was waived, calling it key, many, some or nearly all. No court ruling, Indian government response or reason from the White House was found.