US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Trump administration will use 60 days to evaluate the economic implications of sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries that purchase Russian oil, including India.
Rubio made the remarks on Saturday at Joint Base Andrews before departing for a six-day visit to Uzbekistan and India. He said the pause would allow Washington to assess the potential effects of the measures on the global economy and the US economy.
President Donald Trump on Friday waived key provisions of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, temporarily easing the threat of punitive tariffs on countries buying Russian oil. The decision has relieved India, which continues to import substantial quantities of Russian crude.
Rubio said the legislation included provisions allowing the administration to grant waivers so it could evaluate changing global circumstances before deciding on further action.
He cited pressure on global energy supplies amid the conflict involving Iran, Houthi attacks in the region and the continuing Russia-Ukraine war as factors that needed to be considered when determining the appropriate policy response.
Rubio also acknowledged India’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, noting that moving away from Russian oil supplies takes time. He described India as an important ally and partner of the United States, adding that the administration needed time to determine the right balance between its foreign policy priorities and economic considerations.
According to the executive order signed by Trump on Friday, the waivers will remain in effect until the president or the secretary of state, in consultation with the Treasury Secretary and the US trade representative where appropriate, determines that further action is warranted.
Trump defended his decision while speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort near Miami, saying the move would benefit the United States and could have positive implications for the wider world.
The decision, however, has triggered criticism from lawmakers in both parties, despite strong bipartisan support for the sanctions legislation in the Senate last month.
Republican Senator Darlene Graham of South Carolina said she would prefer to keep pressure on Russia to end the war in Ukraine and help lower energy prices. She also expressed distrust of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican from North Carolina, criticised the administration for waiving provisions of legislation that passed the Senate 86-11. He argued that Washington should focus on addressing the factors behind rising fuel prices rather than easing pressure on Moscow.
Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas also criticised the decision, saying the late Senator Lindsey Graham, whose name is associated with the legislation, would have been appalled.
Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts accused Trump of disregarding Congress and enabling Putin to continue the war in Ukraine. She urged lawmakers to take action to reverse the decision.
The waiver comes ahead of Rubio’s scheduled visit to India on Monday, with energy security and bilateral relations likely to remain important issues. The 60-day review period will give the administration time to assess the economic and geopolitical consequences of its approach before determining whether further measures are necessary.