US widens Iran sanctions, putting India in the crosshairs - The Times of India

**U.S. Expands Iran Sanctions, Targeting Indian Companies and Citizens**

Washington has announced a new round of secondary sanctions on Iran that places four India‑based firms and three Indian nationals on the Treasury Department’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. The measures, unveiled by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Friday, aim to cut off Iran’s ability to finance its nuclear and missile programs by choking off revenue from oil exports and restricting the flow of technology that could be used for weapons development. The designated Indian entities are alleged to have facilitated the procurement of dual‑use items and provided services that helped Iran evade existing sanctions, according to the U.S. statement. Their inclusion means any U.S. person or entity that engages in transactions with them risks being barred from the U.S. financial system.

The move has sent shockwaves through New Delhi, where Iran remains a significant source of crude oil—accounting for roughly 12 % of India’s imports in 2023—and where Indian firms have long played a role in the oil trade and related logistics. Analysts warn that the sanctions could force Indian refiners to seek alternative, often costlier, supplies, potentially tightening margins in a sector already grappling with global price volatility. Moreover, the designation of Indian nationals signals a broader U.S. intent to pressure third‑party countries that assist Tehran, raising concerns among Indian policymakers about the diplomatic fallout and the risk of collateral damage to legitimate trade.

India’s response is expected to balance its strategic partnership with the United States against its energy security and burgeoning ties with Beijing, which has openly opposed the U.S. “economic D‑Day” threats against Iran. While New Delhi has repeatedly called for a multilateral approach to Iran’s nuclear issue, it is now faced with the practical challenge of ensuring compliance with U.S. sanctions without jeopardising its own economic interests. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that it will review the sanctions and engage with Washington to seek possible waivers or relief for critical energy imports, even as it warns that over‑reach could strain Indo‑U.S. relations and push India closer to China’s sphere of influence.