The Donald Trump administration’s decision to suspend certain sanctions on Russian oil for 30 days marks an important moment in the geopolitics of energy, war and diplomacy in the Gulf region. The implications stretch beyond the urgent need to stabilise the energy markets. By letting Russian oil flow into the markets, Washington hopes to ease prices without formally dismantling the broader sanctions regime built since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Russian oil waiver initially applied to India alone before being extended to all buyers. The India-specific origins acknowledged New Delhi’s deep energy dependence and its role as a major global buyer.

Source: Indian Express March 16, 2026 18:13 UTC