India Seizes US-Sanctioned Tankers: A Bold Move in Maritime Crackdown

In a strategic move, India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran and enhanced its maritime surveillance. This action reflects India's commitment to preventing unlawful trade activities and strengthening ties with the US. The tankers, involved in complex smuggling operations, were intercepted by the Indian Coast Guard.

India has ramped up its maritime surveillance following the seizure of three US-sanctioned oil tankers tied to Iran, aiming to deter illicit trade. According to a source quoted by Reuters, India's actions are focused on blocking ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the true origin of oil cargoes.

An improvement in India-US relations, underscored by a recent trade agreement, has prompted New Delhi to bolster its maritime zone security. Vessels identified as Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—accused of frequently altering identities to evade detection—were intercepted, with their foreign-based owners under scrutiny.

The Iranian media reported that the National Iranian Oil Company disclaimed any ties to the seized tankers. India's response includes deploying extensive resources for continuous maritime monitoring, with ICG employing tech-driven analysis to identify suspicious activities, thus reinforcing its role in enforcing global maritime laws.