The US State Department on October 8 sanctioned two Mumbai-based companies, SSPL Solutions and Samudra Marine Services, along with five Indian nationals linked to them, accusing them of helping move Iranian petroleum products. The action is part of a wider US campaign called Operation Economic Outcast, under which Washington also sanctioned other entities and vessels in Iran's so-called shadow fleet (ships used to evade oil sanctions); Samudra Marine Services was given until October 23 to wind down existing transactions. It matters because it shows Washington is targeting buyers and intermediaries in third countries, including India, as it seeks to cut off revenue to Tehran.