In September 2023, the United States implemented stringent sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil and gas imports. This policy was part of a broader strategy to maintain economic pressure on Russia. While the measures were seen as a way to uphold sanctions, they also had significant implications for countries like India and China, which engage in substantial trade for Russian energy supplies.
On September 19, 2023, President Trump signed the Graham Act, also known as the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The legislation targets countries that buy more than 500,000 barrels of Russian crude oil per day. The act provides a mechanism for the US to impose economic penalties, while allowing for exemptions in specific cases to support economic and energy cooperation with key nations.
New media post from Donald J. Trump ( TS: Oct 17 2026, 12:10 AM ET ) https://t.co/FDxdCJMI08
On October 16, 2026, President Trump issued a waiver of sanctions, restrictions, and duties under the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, citing national interest. This decision marked a clear shift in US policy towards Russia. The waiver allows for the import of Russian oil and gas without the usual sanctions and tariffs, providing relief to countries that depend on these energy supplies.
The waiver was submitted to Congress with a certification that it is in the national interest of the United States.
The decision to waive sanctions and tariffs has a direct impact on five countries, including India. India, as a significant buyer of Russian oil and gas, benefits from this exemption. The move supports economic and energy cooperation between the United States and these nations, allowing them to continue their energy procurement strategies without the burden of punitive tariffs.
The waiver was submitted to Congress with a certification that it is in the national interest of the United States. President Trump stated, “I have given the certification to the Congress for this NIE.” This formal process ensures that the decision aligns with national interest exceptions under the Countering America's Advertisaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The move balances economic cooperation with the maintenance of sanctions against Russia, facing some criticism from advocates of a tougher stance.
As of October 17, 2026, the United States has removed sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports for specific countries, including India and China. This action is a strategic decision to balance economic realities with geopolitical considerations. The National Interest Exception of the CAATSA law provides the legal framework for these individualized determinations, reflecting the complex and evolving nature of US foreign policy.