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What is India's Maritime Crackdown on Sanctioned Oil Tankers?
In February 2026, India has launched a significant maritime enforcement operation, seizing three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran and deploying unprecedented surveillance measures across its waters. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard intercepted the vessels approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activities designed to obscure the origin of oil cargoes. This crackdown represents a major shift in India's maritime security posture and demonstrates growing alignment with international sanctions regimes, particularly as US-India relations strengthen following recent trade agreements.
Background: Why India is Targeting Illicit Oil Transfers
The recent seizures come amid improving diplomatic relations between India and the United States. Washington announced earlier this month that it would reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from an initial 50% to 18%, following New Delhi's commitment to halt Russian oil imports. India was previously one of Russia's largest buyers of discounted crude after Western sanctions targeted Russian fossil fuel exports. This strategic pivot has prompted India to demonstrate compliance with international sanctions, particularly those targeting Iran's oil exports.
According to maritime security experts, ship-to-ship transfers have become a primary method for sanctions evasion, allowing vessels to obscure the origin of oil cargoes through complex ownership structures, false documentation, and mid-ocean transfers. 'India's waters were increasingly being used as transit points for these illicit operations,' explained a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.
The Three Seized Tankers: Details and Connections
On February 6, 2026, Indian authorities announced via social media platform X that they had intercepted three vessels in the country's exclusive economic zone:
1. Stellar Ruby
This vessel sails under the Iranian flag and has been documented operating in the region. According to LSEG data, the Stellar Ruby is one of several vessels that frequently changed identities to evade coastal state law enforcement.
2. Asphalt Star
Primarily operating around Chinese waters, the Asphalt Star represents the global nature of sanctions evasion networks. The vessel's IMO number matches that of the previously US-sanctioned Glory Star 1, indicating a pattern of identity manipulation.
3. Al Jafzia
This tanker has direct documented links to Iran, having transported fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025. Like the other vessels, it shares IMO numbers with ships previously sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
All three vessels correspond to ships previously sanctioned by US authorities: Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1. The US sanctions enforcement mechanisms have been increasingly coordinated with international partners to combat what experts describe as a 'shadow fleet' of tankers operating outside regulatory frameworks.
India's Enhanced Maritime Surveillance Operations
In response to the growing threat of illicit oil transfers, India has deployed a massive surveillance network across its maritime zones:
- 55 ships deployed for continuous patrol operations
- 10-12 aircraft conducting aerial surveillance
- 24-hour monitoring of India's exclusive economic zone
- Enhanced coordination between Navy, Coast Guard, and intelligence agencies
This represents one of the largest maritime surveillance operations in recent Indian history, aimed specifically at preventing ship-to-ship transfers that facilitate sanctions evasion. The Indian Coast Guard has taken the lead in these operations, with support from naval assets and aerial reconnaissance platforms.
Geopolitical Implications and Regional Impact
The crackdown carries significant implications for regional energy markets and international relations. By seizing Iran-linked tankers, India is signaling its alignment with US-led sanctions regimes while maintaining its strategic autonomy. This move comes as global oil sanctions enforcement intensifies against multiple sanctioned nations, creating complex challenges for maritime security worldwide.
Iranian state media has denied any connection between the seized tankers and the National Iranian Oil Company, highlighting the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding these enforcement actions. However, documented evidence shows clear links between the vessels and Iranian oil shipments.
FAQ: India's Oil Tanker Seizures Explained
Why did India seize these specific tankers?
India seized the Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia because they were engaged in suspicious ship-to-ship transfer activities in Indian waters and have documented links to Iran, making them subject to US sanctions.
How does ship-to-ship transfer help evade sanctions?
Ship-to-ship transfers at sea allow vessels to obscure the origin of oil cargoes through complex ownership structures, false documentation, and mid-ocean cargo swaps, making it difficult for authorities to trace sanctioned oil shipments.
What surveillance measures has India implemented?
India has deployed approximately 55 ships and 10-12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance across its maritime zones, representing a significant enhancement of its maritime monitoring capabilities.
How does this affect US-India relations?
The seizures demonstrate India's alignment with US sanctions policies and come shortly after Washington announced tariff reductions on Indian goods, indicating strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation on security matters.
What happens to the seized tankers now?
The vessels have been escorted to Mumbai for investigation, where authorities will determine appropriate legal actions and potential forfeiture proceedings under Indian and international law.
Sources
Reuters: India seizes Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers
