India Seizes Three US-Sanctioned Tankers Linked to Iran
India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month, stepping up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade. The seizures follow an improvement in U.S.-India relations, with Washington announcing it will cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, after New Delhi agreed to stop Russian oil imports.
The three sanctioned vessels – Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia – frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states. The source said that their owners were based overseas. The tankers were seized offshore Mumbai, with Indian authorities detecting suspicious activity involving a tanker in India‘s exclusive economic zone.
Surveillance Efforts Intensify
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed about 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones. This move aims to prevent the use of India‘s waters for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes. The intensified surveillance follows the improvement in U.S.-India relations, which has led to a decrease in illicit trade.
Vessels’ Connections Revealed
The three tankers seized by India have been linked to Iran. Al Jafzia had carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025, and Stellar Ruby was flagged in Iran. Asphalt Star mostly operated on voyages around China. The vessels’ frequent changes of identity and ownership structures make it challenging for enforcement agencies to track their activities.
Sanctions and Illicit Trade
Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at deep discounts due to the risks involved, with intermediaries moving cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation, and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned three vessels – Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1 – with IMO numbers identical to the ships lately captured by India.
Conclusion
India‘s seizure of the three US-sanctioned tankers linked to Iran is a significant step in its efforts to curb illicit trade. The intensified surveillance and enforcement actions demonstrate the country’s commitment to preventing the use of its waters for illegal activities. As global trade continues to evolve, it is essential for countries to work together to address these challenges and ensure the integrity of international commerce.
Original Article: India seizes three Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, source says | Reuters — Reuters