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Did Trump Drop 100 Percent Tariffs to Woo India Back?
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News18•17-10-2026, 10:00
Did Trump Drop 100 Percent Tariffs to Woo India Back?
- •US President Donald Trump temporarily halted plans to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, providing relief to India and four other nations.
- •The decision comes amid domestic political pressure regarding energy prices in the US and the need to stabilize global markets ahead of mid-term elections.
- •Recent friction in India-US relations included US claims of mediation during Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack and Washington inviting Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir to the White House.
- •While the tariff suspension offers immediate commercial relief and opens a window for trade deal talks, the US has not permanently scrapped the tariffs.
- •India welcomes the relief but must continue trade negotiations without compromising its strategic autonomy and energy security.
Key Questions Answered
President Donald Trump temporarily halted plans to impose up to 100 percent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, citing America's national interest, domestic political pressure regarding energy prices, and the need to prevent global market instability.
Along with India, five countries including China, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan have received relief as President Trump waived sanctions and suspended the implementation of the Russia-related tariffs.
President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which established the legal framework allowing for tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas.
