India this month seized three tankers linked to Iran that are subject to US sanctions and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, Reuters reported on Monday, citing sources.
India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes, the source added. The seizures and increased surveillance follow improved relations between the US and India. Washington announced earlier this month that it would cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50% as Delhi agreed to freeze Russian oil imports.
The sanctioned vessels Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia frequently changed their identities to avoid enforcement by coastal states, the source said, adding that their owners were based overseas, Reuters reported.
Three vessels detained
On February 6, Indian authorities – in a post on X – said they detained three vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious tanker activity in India’s exclusive economic zone. The post was later deleted, but a source has now confirmed that the vessels have been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation.
The Indian Coast Guard has since deployed about 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, the source said.
The US Office of Foreign Assets Control last year imposed sanctions on vessels Global Peace, Chil 1 and Glory Star 1 with IMO numbers identical to those seized by India.
Two of the three tankers are linked to Iran, with Al Jafzia carrying fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025 and Stellar Ruby in Iran, according to LSEG data.
Asphalt Star mostly operated on routes around China, the data show. Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at deep discounts because of the risks involved, with intermediaries moving the cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation and inter-sea transfers that complicate enforcement.