Trump Faces Deadline to Sanction Russian Energy Buyers

President Donald Trump faces an October 18 deadline to determine whether to invoke sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. The legislation, passed by the U.S. Senate with 86 votes, authorizes tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five largest importers of Russian oil and gas, as well as nations assisting Moscow in evading sanctions. As of October 15, the administration has not published a list of targeted countries or duty rates.

U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor stated that while India and China are potentially affected, the measures aim to end the war in Ukraine rather than punish partners. However, a discrepancy exists regarding the timeline: Gor suggested the president has roughly 10 days to make a determination, while the law's text mandates action by Saturday.

The situation coincides with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's scheduled visit to Mumbai and Jamnagar starting October 19. Simultaneously, the U.S. and India are nearing a trade deal focused on defense, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence. Ambassador Gor noted the broad framework is complete, though some terms require revision following a Supreme Court of the United States ruling that global tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unconstitutional.