US sanctions four Indian firms over Iran trade ties

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies and three Indian nationals for facilitating trade with Iran, intensifying scrutiny on Indian businesses and adding strain to US-India relations. The State Department targeted Portease Partners LLP, Sadashiva Overseas Ltd, PP Softtech Pvt Ltd, and Prakrutees Infra Impex India Pvt Ltd. These firms allegedly imported Iranian petroleum products worth approximately $120 million between 2023 and 2026. The sanctions are part of "Operation Economic Outcast," aimed at severing Iran's financial lifelines. India maintains strategically important ties with Iran, including Chabahar port access. The sanctions could disrupt Indian exports like rice and pharmaceuticals. Washington has avoided similar sweeping penalties on China, Iran's largest oil customer, citing Beijing's economic leverage. Iran dismissed the campaign as bluster.