Trump's Russian oil tariff waiver offers India only temporary relief, warns think tank

The Global Trade Research Initiative has warned that Donald Trump's decision to waive threatened 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers provides India with only short-term relief. The think tank cautioned that Washington could reinstate the duties at any moment, leaving New Delhi vulnerable to sudden policy shifts.

GTRI cited multiple factors behind the tariff waiver, including US purchases of Russian diesel, tariff protections extended to China, and ongoing bilateral trade negotiations between India and the United States. The institute emphasized that India should not view the temporary reprieve as a permanent arrangement.

The think tank has urged the Indian government to prioritize energy security and avoid surrendering permanent trade concessions in return for tariff relief that could be reversed without notice. It highlighted the need for New Delhi to pursue a cautious approach in ongoing trade discussions with Washington.