India’s coast guard has reportedly seized three oil tankers in the Arabian Sea during an operation against a suspected smuggling network. Iranian media claimed the vessels were linked to Iranian’ Oil shipments, raising fresh regional concerns.
According to reports, the ships were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. The operation was carried out after what the coast guard described as technology-based surveillance and data analysis. Officials said the action targeted an international network involved in moving Iranian’ Oil through illegal routes.
The development comes weeks after India stepped back from the Chabahar port agreement with Iran. Reports said New Delhi withdrew after the United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on countries doing business with Tehran. The decision created new tensions around trade and energy cooperation in the region.
In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard confirmed the interception but did not name Iran directly. It said the operation exposed a syndicate using mid-sea transfers to move cheap oil from conflict-affected areas. The network allegedly shifted cargo between vessels in international waters to avoid taxes and duties.
Tanker-tracking firm TankerTrackers later identified the ships as AL JAFZIA, ASPHALT STAR, and STELLAR RUBY. The firm said all three vessels were under US sanctions. It also reported that STELLAR RUBY was sailing under the Iranian flag at the time of the operation.
Iranian media outlets claimed the tankers were connected to Iranian’ Oil shipments and were detained on smuggling charges. However, there has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities. Indian officials also have not publicly addressed the claims linking the vessels to Iran.
The coast guard said the ships were known for frequently changing their identities. Such tactics are often used to avoid detection and sanctions. Officials added that the operation showed India’s commitment to maritime security and international shipping rules.
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The seizure of the vessels carrying alleged Iranian’ Oil may add to the already complex relations in the region. Analysts say the incident could influence trade routes and energy cooperation in the coming months. For now, both sides have remained silent, leaving many questions about the case unanswered.
