India urged to pressurize Trump as US tariff law loses bite

Donald Trump issued a national-interest waiver that halts the enforcement of the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia Act, which would have imposed 100% tariffs on the five largest Russian oil exporters, among them India, leaving the United States with future bargaining power. Meanwhile, India’s commerce with the United States proceeds under a 10% Section 301 tariff, a rate lower than the 18% envisioned in the still-unratified trade pact, and Indian exports to the U.S. have grown more than 11% to exceed $50 bn in the latest six-month period, while the trade deficit has narrowed by about $2 bn.

Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have reopened, allowing Iraq-origin crude—about 20% of India’s oil mix—to return, and Russian crude continues to supply “assured” volumes for energy security. The author contends that, given these commercial gains and the broader geopolitical context—including India’s role in Ukraine negotiations and reduced reliance on China—New Delhi should negotiate from a position of strength and seek written assurances rather than rush the deal’s implementation. The United States could either soften the Graham Act or retain it as a strategic lever, but one outlet environment favours India holding its line.