(MUMBAI) – The Indian Coast Guard has detained three oil tankers in the Arabian Sea on suspicion of involvement in an international smuggling syndicate. While official Indian statements focused on maritime security, tanker tracking experts and Iranian media have identified the vessels as part of a sanctioned network linked to Tehran.
The interception occurred approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai following what authorities described as technology enabled surveillance and data pattern analysis. According to the Coast Guard, the criminal network utilised mid sea transfers in international waters to move low cost oil from regions affected by conflict to motor tankers, thereby evading customs duties.
Interrogations and electronic data reviews led to the identification of the vessels as AL JAFZIA, ASPHALT STAR, and STELLAR RUBY. The tracking firm TankerTrackers noted that all three ships are currently under United States sanctions, with the STELLAR RUBY operating under the Iranian flag. Although the Indian Coast Guard did not explicitly name Iran, they stated the operation reinforces India’s role as a guardian of the rules based international order.
This maritime crackdown coincides with a significant shift in India’s energy policy. Indian refineries have begun suspending purchases of Russian crude oil for April delivery as New Delhi seeks to finalise a trade agreement with the United States. Under a framework established by the Trump administration, Washington has offered to rescind 25% punitive tariffs on Indian goods—previously imposed due to India’s reliance on Russian energy—in exchange for a commitment to halt imports from the Russian dictator.
Current market data indicates that Indian refineries are pivoting toward suppliers in the Middle East and the United States. While the Russian dictator continues to seek ways to fund his war efforts through energy exports, India’s latest maritime and trade manoeuvres suggest a tightening of the net around the so called shadow fleets used by pariah regimes.
On 06 Feb 26, @IndiaCoastGuard busted an International oil-smuggling racket in a meticulously coordinated sea–air operation. The syndicate exploited mid-sea transfers in international waters to move cheap oil from conflict ridden regions to motor tankers, evading duties owed to… pic.twitter.com/erJ31U4xyH
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) February 7, 2026
