India has seized three US-sanctioned tanker vessels allegedly linked to Iran and significantly expanded maritime surveillance in its waters, news agency Reuters reported, citing a source with direct knowledge of the development.
The action comes amid strengthening trade ties between New Delhi and Washington. Earlier this month, the United States announced a reduction in import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, following India’s reported commitment to halt Russian oil imports.
The three vessels — Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia — were intercepted roughly 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after authorities detected suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activity within India’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Though an official social media post confirming the interception was later deleted, the report said the tankers were escorted to Mumbai for further investigation.
Reuters reported that Indian authorities suspect the ships frequently altered their identities and operational details to evade detection by coastal enforcement agencies. Ownership structures are reportedly based overseas.
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had sanctioned vessels named Global Peace, Chil 1 and Glory Star 1 last year, with International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers matching those of the tankers now detained by India.
Shipping data from LSEG indicates that Al Jafzia transported Iranian fuel oil to Djibouti in 2025, while Stellar Ruby was flagged in Iran. Asphalt Star largely operated on China-linked routes, according to the same data.
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India is seeking to prevent its waters from being used for illicit ship-to-ship oil transfers, a tactic commonly employed to mask the origin of sanctioned crude and fuel cargoes.
In response, the Indian Coast Guard has deployed approximately 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for continuous monitoring across key maritime zones.
Sanctioned oil cargoes are typically sold at deep discounts, moving through complex ownership networks, falsified documentation and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement efforts.
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