Guwahati, March 13 -- The escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States is beginning to impact India's tea export sector, particularly shipments of orthodox tea to Gulf countries, according to the Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers' Association.

The concern comes even as Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured Parliament that India's energy supplies remain secure despite disruptions in global shipping routes caused by the ongoing tensions in West Asia.

Guwahati Tea Auction Buyers' Association Secretary Dinesh Bihani said the tea trade is already feeling the effects of the crisis as Gulf buyers, including Iran, play a major role in purchasing Indian orthodox tea. "As the war between Iran and Israel...