Indian coastal authorities 'seize' 3 US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran

Major Maritime Enforcement Action in Arabian Sea

Indian coastal authorities have intercepted and seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran in a significant enforcement operation conducted earlier this month. The vessels—identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—were detained approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detection of suspicious activity within India's Exclusive Economic Zone. The interception marks an unprecedented crackdown on illicit oil trade and represents a notable shift in India's maritime enforcement strategy. The seized tankers were reportedly engaged in ship-to-ship transfers designed to obscure the origin of their cargoes, a common tactic employed to evade international sanctions and law enforcement scrutiny.

The three vessels frequently changed their identities and false flags to evade detection by coastal state authorities. According to available information, the vessels' owners were based overseas, and shipping data indicates that the tankers operated under multiple aliases. The Stellar Ruby was flying an Iranian flag at the time of seizure, while Al Jafzia had previously carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti. These identity changes and deceptive practices are characteristic of what maritime experts refer to as "shadow fleet" operations—a network of vessels used to circumvent international sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

Connection to US Sanctions Framework

The seized tankers correspond to vessels previously sanctioned by the US Office of Foreign Assets Control. The US sanctions were imposed on vessels identified as Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1, whose International Maritime Organization numbers match those of the ships captured by Indian authorities. The tankers reportedly form part of a larger 30-vessel fleet managed by an individual designated by the US Treasury Department in April 2025 for operating in Iran's petroleum sector. This connection underscores the coordinated international effort to disrupt illicit oil trading networks that circumvent US-imposed sanctions on Iranian crude and refined petroleum products.

Strategic Timing and US-India Relations

The seizure operation occurs amid a significant warming of ties between India and the United States. The enforcement action was announced on the same day that New Delhi and Washington unveiled a major bilateral trade framework. Additionally, the US announced it would reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent, following New Delhi's commitment to halt Russian oil imports. This coordination reflects broader collaboration between the two nations on energy security, sanctions enforcement, and maritime operations.

India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes, demonstrating the country's commitment to sanctions compliance and maritime security cooperation.

The timing of the seizure demonstrates India's willingness to strengthen enforcement mechanisms in its maritime zones. The crackdown comes as part of efforts to prevent Indian territorial waters from becoming conduits for illicit international trade. Following the interception, Indian authorities deployed approximately 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance across maritime zones. This unprecedented surveillance escalation signals New Delhi's determination to maintain maritime security and prevent unauthorized cargo transfers within its jurisdictional waters.

Mechanics of Sanctioned Oil Trading

Sanctioned oil and petroleum products are typically sold at significant discounts compared to openly traded crude due to the considerable legal and financial risks involved. Intermediaries employing these networks utilize complex ownership structures, falsified documentation, and mid-sea cargo transfers to complicate enforcement efforts and obscure the origin of illicit petroleum. The ship-to-ship transfer methodology allows traders to move cargo between vessels at sea, making it difficult for authorities to track and intercept contraband. The three seized tankers exemplified these practices, having repeatedly altered their identities, flags, and registered ownership to evade maritime law enforcement across multiple jurisdictions.

Iranian state media, citing the National Iranian Oil Company, has denied any connection to the seized vessels or their cargoes. The denial raises questions about the operational structure of Iran's petroleum export networks and suggests potential involvement of third-party intermediaries in the illicit trade. The seized cargo and vessels are expected to be transferred to Indian Customs and other law enforcement agencies for further investigation and legal proceedings. This transfer will enable comprehensive examination of ownership structures, cargo documentation, and the involvement of individuals and entities in sanctions evasion schemes.

Broader Context of International Enforcement

India's seizure operation coincides with similar enforcement actions by other nations targeting illicit oil trade. The US intercepted another Iran-linked oil tanker, the Veronica III, in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. These coordinated enforcement actions reflect intensified international cooperation to disrupt shadow fleet operations and prevent the circumvention of sanctions on Iranian and Venezuelan oil exports. The convergence of enforcement activities across multiple nations demonstrates a concerted effort to maintain the integrity of international sanctions regimes.

The incident also highlights ongoing complications in India-Iran relations, particularly regarding maritime disputes. Iran previously detained an Indian vessel, MT Valiant Roar, carrying 16 Indian crew members in December. While eight crew members have been released, eight remain in Iranian custody, creating diplomatic tension. The seizure of Iran-linked tankers by India represents a delicate balancing act between strengthening ties with the United States while managing complex relationships with neighboring countries and regional actors.

India's enforcement action represents a significant development in maritime security and international sanctions compliance. The seizure demonstrates New Delhi's commitment to preventing illicit oil trade within its territorial waters and aligns with broader US-India strategic cooperation. The deployment of enhanced surveillance capabilities indicates sustained commitment to maritime enforcement. These actions collectively signal a strengthened commitment to international law and sanctions compliance frameworks, reflecting India's evolving role in maintaining global maritime security and economic order.