Big relief to India just before the deadline due to Trump's decision, opposition may increase in America

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Using his powers, US President Donald Trump has stopped many sanctions imposed on Russia.

These sanctions were recently approved by the US Congress to punish Russia for its war against Ukraine.

Under this law, Trump was given 30 days to impose 100 percent tariff on all goods coming from the five largest countries purchasing crude oil from Russia.

There was also a provision to impose sanctions on many Russian entities and impose a 500 percent tariff on all imports of Russian energy products into the US. The one-month deadline for implementing these provisions was to expire on October 18.

It is being said that by giving exemption from the implementation of this law, Trump has also tried to avoid a possible conflict with China, India and Turkey, the biggest buyers of Russia's energy products.

In an executive order issued Friday night, Trump said it is in America's national interest to stop some sanctions. Trump had signed the sanctions bill into law in September and these sanctions were to come into effect from Sunday.

This development comes a few days after Trump's statement in which he had said that America will import diesel from Russia to reduce energy prices in America before the midterm elections in November. These elections will decide which party will have control in the Congress.

This plan has surprised the MPs and MPs from both the major parties have protested against it.

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This law was being seen as a threat to India. This increased Trump's influence to exert pressure, especially at a time when he is also exploring the possibility of trade agreements with Russia.

By August 2026, India was the second largest buyer of Russian oil after China. In such a situation, the possible American tariffs may have the biggest impact on these two Asian countries.

Between December 2022 and August 2026, China's share in Russia's total crude oil exports was 50 percent while India's share was 37 percent.

India's Foreign Ministry issued a statement immediately after the bill was passed. The ministry said it has raised the issue with the US and stressed that it could impact not only bilateral relations but also the international energy market.

According to the latest data for July 2026, Russia's share in India's crude oil imports was more than 51 percent. At a time when the movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted, it may be difficult for India to reduce its dependence on Russian oil on a large scale within 30 days.

If an American importer buys $20 worth of cloth from India, a 100 percent tariff would result in an additional duty of $20 at the border.

After this, domestic transportation, retail margin and other taxes would also be added. If the same product can be bought from another country at a much lower tariff, then there is no reason to buy expensive goods from India.

India is trying to reduce its dependence on America but it is not so easy.

It is being said that free trade agreements cannot replace the American market. But they can lower the cost of entry into other big markets.

Tariff concessions alone will not ensure access to these markets. Indian exporters will have to invest in logistics, meet technical and product standards, make changes in their designs and create distribution networks. These are the capabilities that helped them make their place in the American market.

Experts say there is a limit to diversifying export markets. If a company reduces its 60 percent dependence on America to 60 percent dependence on Europe, then it has diversified geographically, but not strategically. Along with diversification of markets, the customer base will also have to be broadened.

Protests will increase in America

The US sanctions law is named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Before his death on July 11, he was one of the most vocal supporters of Ukraine in Washington.

The target of this law is the Russian economy. Under this, Trump has been given broad powers to impose tariffs up to 100 percent on the five largest countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia. These especially include China and India.

Additionally, the law provides for sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior Russian government officials, banks and other financial institutions, as well as Russia's 'shadow fleet', which includes tankers used to evade existing sanctions.

On Thursday, a group of 20 members of American lawmakers from both major parties wrote a letter to Trump urging him to follow the new law. This law was to come into effect from October 18.

Last week, Trump announced that he had spoken to Putin on the phone and agreed to buy diesel from Moscow.

America's allies criticized this step. They fear that this may help Russia in the war against Ukraine.