WASHINGTON —The United States has imposed sanctions on six Indian companies for allegedly facilitating oil and petrochemical exports from Iran, just one day after announcing a 25% tariff on Indian imports. The latest action signals a sharp escalation in Washington’s enforcement of energy sanctions and places further strain on U.S.-India trade talks.
The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions on 20 entities worldwide, including six based in India. The listed firms are Kanchan Polymers, Alchemical Solutions, Ramniklal S Gosalia and Company, Jupiter Dye Chem, Global Industrial Chemicals, and Persistent Petrochem.
“All property and interests in property of the designated persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked,” the State Department said in its official statement.
These actions fall under Executive Order 13846 and also apply to any entities owned 50% or more by the designated firms. Ten vessels tied to the sanctioned companies were also classified as blocked property, further tightening controls on global shipping channels allegedly involved in Iranian oil trade.
The U.S. alleges the sanctioned firms are part of a “network of illicit shipping facilitators” that use deceptive tactics to help Iran bypass existing sanctions. Other companies named in the action are based in China, Turkey, the UAE, and Iran.
The announcement arrives at a delicate moment in U.S.-India relations. Trade negotiations are still underway following the newly imposed 25% tariff on Indian goods. India has not yet issued a formal response to the sanctions.
Analysts note that New Delhi’s energy relationships with sanctioned states like Iran and Russia have come under increasing U.S. scrutiny. The move could signal Washington’s readiness to enforce secondary penalties, especially as Trump ramps up pressure on countries continuing oil trade with Iran and Russia.
