Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Oct 17: US President Donald Trump has temporarily waived key sanctions and tariff provisions under the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, easing the immediate threat of steep duties on countries, including India and China, that purchase Russian oil and natural gas.
In an executive order issued on Friday night, October 16, Trump said withholding the application of certain sanctions, restrictions and duties under the law was in the national interest of the United States.
“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said, adding that he had submitted a certification to Congress confirming that the waiver was in the country's national interest.
Signed into law by Trump on September 18, the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act authorises sweeping sanctions against Russia and tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods from major buyers of Russian-origin crude oil and natural gas, including India and China.
Section 115 of the Act allows the President to waive sanctions, restrictions and duties after certifying to Congress that doing so serves the national interest. Trump invoked this provision to suspend the specified measures. The waivers will remain in force until the President or relevant administration officials determine that further action is warranted.
The decision comes days after Trump reached a deal allowing Russian diesel supplies to reach the United States and global markets, as his administration seeks to ease pressure on energy prices. The move has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue that relaxing restrictions could weaken efforts to pressure Moscow over its war in Ukraine.
The waiver also comes ahead of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's scheduled visit to India next week. Rubio is expected to meet External Affairs minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai.
Jaishankar had raised concerns about the Graham Act during a meeting with Rubio on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.
During the discussions, Jaishankar is understood to have explained that Indian oil refineries are largely configured to process medium-sour crude from West Asian countries and Russia. Venezuelan crude is generally heavier, while US crude is typically lighter, requiring blending to meet Indian refineries' processing requirements.
With oil supplies from West Asia disrupted by the war involving Iran, India has increasingly relied on Russian crude to help meet its energy needs.
Trump's decision could ease immediate concerns over additional US tariffs linked to India's purchases of Russian energy. However, the administration retains the authority to revisit the measures, leaving uncertainty over the long-term implications for India's energy trade and its relations with Washington.