Trump waives some Russia oil sanctions, easing pressure on India
US President Donald Trump issued an executive order waiving some Russia-related sanctions and tariffs days before they were due to take effect, saying the move was in the US national interest. The measures, authorized under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, allowed tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and were scheduled to start on 18 October. The waiver comes as India and the US negotiate a trade deal said to be in its final stages, and as India, which imports about 90% of its oil, relies on Russia for a substantial share of supplies.
Why it matters: The waiver bears directly on the briefing's sanctions and trade themes, linking US sanctions relief to India-US trade negotiations and Russian oil supply.