Jorhat, June 25 -- The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has severely disrupted India's Orthodox tea exports, particularly disrupting business from Assam, the country's largest producer of Orthodox tea.

Iran, a key buyer of Indian Orthodox tea imports nearly 28 million kilos annually, of which around 24 million kilos are sourced from Assam. With Assam producing roughly 85 million kilos of Orthodox tea each year, this disruption has jeopardised a significant portion of the state's exports.

Indian Orthodox tea refers to tea processed using the traditional method, which involves hand-plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying.

Exporters report major delays and complications in both shipments and payment settlements since the war began...