Russia Oil Sanctions Waiver Is A Big Relief For India, Says Expert

US President Donald Trump waived sanctions related to Russian fuel sales under the Lindsey O. Graham Act, providing what foreign affairs expert Waiel Awwad called a big relief for India. The announcement was made in New Delhi, India, on October 17, 2026. Awwad noted that the policy change comes as Trump faces November midterm elections and attempts to gain popularity through an America First approach amid rising domestic prices.

The suspended law would have placed tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods imported into the US from the five primary buyers of Russian oil and gas, which include India and China. Trump invoked Section 115 of the Graham Act, citing national interest after announcing a diesel deal with Russia involving hundreds of thousands of tonnes of fuel supplies.

While calling the waiver significant for stopping Indian rupee depreciation, reducing inflation, and lowering oil prices, Awwad advised the Indian government to maintain strategic autonomy regarding oil purchases and ties with Russia. Meanwhile, the US-Russia diesel arrangement has reportedly surprised Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and the European Union.