Key Highlights
- Indian coastal authorities seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran.
- The seizures took place as part of India-US relations improving, with Washington cutting import tariffs on Indian goods.
- US military forces also boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean targeting illicit oil trade connected to Venezuela.
- Iran had previously seized an oil tanker with 16 Indian crew members aboard.
The Seizure of Sanctioned Oil Tankers: A Complex International Chess Game
Indian coastal authorities reportedly ‘seized three US-sanctioned tanker ships linked to Iran’ on February 6, a move that underscores the intricate web of global maritime enforcement and geopolitical maneuvering. This action took place just days after Washington announced it would reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, signaling a warming in India-US relations.
India’s Unprecedented Enforcement Action
The vessels, Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia carrying sanctioned Iranian oil, were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. According to the Defense Department, these ships frequently changed their identities to evade action by coastal states, with their owners based overseas. Indian authorities detected suspicious activity involving a tanker in India’s exclusive economic zone.
US Military Operations in the Indian Ocean
In a related development, US military forces boarded another sanctioned tanker in the Indian Ocean after tracking it from the Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon stated that this was part of efforts to target illicit oil trade connected to Venezuela. President Trump had ordered a quarantine on sanctioned tankers in December 2025, aimed at pressuring then-President Nicolás Maduro.
The Broader Context: Iran and US Sanctions
Iran too has been involved in similar actions; it had seized an oil tanker, MT Valiant Roar, with 16 Indian crew members on board. Of the 16, eight have already been released, but eight are still in Iran’s custody, with their families demanding their release.
Implications and Broader Trade Relations
The simultaneous enforcement actions by India and the US highlight the complex nature of global trade and sanctions. As India-US relations continue to evolve, these maritime operations could serve as a test of cooperation in enforcing international economic norms. The actions also underscore the challenges faced by countries trying to navigate the intricate landscape of sanctioned trades and illicit activities.
For now, these events continue to play out on a global stage, with each move by India or the US signaling broader geopolitical strategies and the delicate balance of power in the region.
