India Seizes Iran-Linked Oil Tankers off Mumbai in Major Maritime Crackdown

In a major maritime enforcement operation, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has seized three oil tankers suspected of transporting sanctioned crude and engaging in illicit mid-sea transfers in international waters off the Mumbai coast. The vessels Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia were intercepted nearly 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai as part of a coordinated crackdown on oil smuggling networks operating across global shipping routes.

Officials said the tankers were detected through advanced digital surveillance and maritime tracking systems after they exhibited suspicious movement patterns. Coast Guard teams intercepted the vessels while oil was being transferred from one ship to another in open waters a tactic widely used to conceal cargo origin and evade sanctions enforcement. Authorities moved swiftly to detain the vessels after gathering evidence.

Preliminary investigations indicate the ships have links to Iranian oil transport networks and may be part of the global sanctions-evading “shadow fleet.” Shipping records suggest Al Jafzia transported fuel from Iran to Djibouti in 2025, Stellar Ruby has operated under the Iranian flag, and Asphalt Star frequently sailed in waters near China. Investigators also found that the vessels’ IMO identification numbers correspond to ships previously sanctioned by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) , indicating possible identity manipulation to bypass monitoring systems.

Authorities believe the smuggling syndicate used deceptive tactics, including frequent name changes and mid-sea cargo transfers, to avoid legal scrutiny. Such networks are known to purchase discounted crude from conflict-affected or sanctioned regions and resell it at sea for significant profits, bypassing customs duties and causing substantial revenue losses.

Following the seizure, maritime surveillance has been intensified across India’s western seaboard. Approximately 55 Coast Guard ships and 10–12 aircraft are now deployed for continuous monitoring to ensure Indian waters are not used for illegal trade or sanctions evasion.

Meanwhile, Iran’s National Iranian Oil Company denied any connection with the seized vessels, stating that neither the ships nor the cargo belonged to the organization. Initial investigations suggest the vessels are owned by overseas entities.

Strategic analysts view the operation as a strong signal of India’s commitment to safeguarding maritime trade routes and enforcing international maritime norms. The action also reflects growing global efforts to curb illicit oil transportation networks that rely on covert transfers, false documentation, and aging tankers to evade sanctions.

Officials emphasized that India remains committed to protecting maritime security while respecting international regulations, underscoring the country’s expanding role in securing vital shipping lanes in the Arabian Sea and beyond.