US sanctions against Iran and a UAE trade freeze threaten India's $1.6 billion trade with Iran, with rice exporters facing significant challenges due to disrupted payment channels.

New U.S. sanctions and UAE trade suspension may disrupt Indian exports to Iran. Rice, tea, and pharmaceutical shipments routed through Dubai face potential severe disruptions. …

India has been among Iran's five largest trading partners, though bilateral trade has fallen by more than 90% from its 2018/19 highs of $17 billion, with exports now limited.

Stricter US sanctions on Iran are unlikely to significantly affect Indias exports to the country, as bilateral trade is mainly concentrated in pharmaceuticals and agricultural…