In a high-stakes maritime operation, the Indian Coast Guard has intercepted and seized three massive oil tankers off the Mumbai coast for violating international sanctions and engaging in illegal ship-to-ship transfers. The vessels—identified as the Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—were caught approximately 100 nautical miles within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Investigations revealed that these tankers, linked to Iranian networks, frequently changed their names and identification markers to evade detection while moving “sanctioned oil” through shadow networks.
The crackdown follows a strategic shift in India’s trade diplomacy, particularly a recent agreement with the United States to reduce oil imports from Russia. In exchange for India’s cooperation in tightening oversight on sanctioned energy shipments, the U.S. recently slashed import duties on Indian goods from 50% to 18%. This seizure is being viewed globally as a clear signal of India’s commitment to its new trade obligations and its refusal to allow its territorial waters to be used as a corridor for illicit oil smuggling operations.
Following the dramatic interception, the three tankers have been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation into their documentation and origin of cargo. In response to this breach, the Indian Coast Guard has significantly intensified its surveillance, deploying 55 warships and 12 aircraft to maintain a 24-hour vigil over Indian waters. Authorities have issued a stern warning that “middlemen” attempting to bypass international law via fraudulent documentation and mid-sea transfers will face strict legal action as India bolsters its maritime security.
Gemini
