High-Seas Interception
The Indian Coast Guard intercepted the three vessels—identified as the Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. According to sources familiar with the matter, the operation was launched after surveillance systems detected suspicious activities consistent with the transfer of oil cargoes aimed at obscuring their origin.Following the interception, the vessels were escorted to Mumbai for further investigation. While Indian authorities initially acknowledged the operation in a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 6, the post was subsequently deleted. However, officials have since confirmed the seizure and the continued detention of the ships.
Targeting "Ghost Fleets"
The seized tankers appear to be part of a "ghost fleet" frequently used to evade international sanctions. Sources indicate that these vessels often change their names and flags to bypass law enforcement monitoring.Data from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) reveals that the three ships match the International Maritime Organization (IMO) numbers of vessels sanctioned last year under different names: Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1.
- Al Jafzia: Tracking data shows this vessel carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025.
- Stellar Ruby: This tanker has been flagged in Iran.
- Asphalt Star: Records indicate this vessel has primarily operated on routes around China.
Geopolitical Ripples
The crackdown comes against the backdrop of shifting geopolitical dynamics and warming ties between Washington and New Delhi. The seizures follow a recent diplomatic breakthrough where the United States announced a significant reduction in import tariffs on Indian goods—slashing rates from 50% to 18%. This economic incentive reportedly followed India's agreement to halt imports of Russian oil, signaling a strategic pivot in its energy procurement policies.To reinforce this stance, the Indian Coast Guard has significantly ramped up its presence in the region. Reports confirm the deployment of approximately 55 ships and over a dozen aircraft to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of India's maritime zones.
Iranian Denial
Despite the strong links suggested by tracking data, Tehran has distanced itself from the seized vessels. Iranian state media, citing the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC), reported that the three tankers have no connection to the state-run entity. The NIOC explicitly stated that neither the vessels nor their cargoes were linked to the company.As investigations continue in Mumbai, the seizure serves as a stern warning against the use of Indian waters for illicit maritime trade, highlighting India's growing resolve to enforce maritime transparency in the Indian Ocean Region.