India has seized three oil tankers under U.S. sanctions that were linked to Iran’s regime this month and has simultaneously increased surveillance of its waters to counter illegal trade.
An informed source told Reuters on Monday that New Delhi is trying to prevent the use of its waters for ship-to-ship transfers of oil cargoes, a method used to conceal the true origin of the oil.
Indian Navy Seizes Three Oil Tankers Linked to Iranian Regime
The source added that the tankers “Stellar Ruby,” “Asphalt Star,” and “Al Jafzia” have repeatedly changed their identities to evade regulatory authorities of coastal countries, and their owners are based outside India.
According to the source, these actions follow an improvement in relations between India and the United States. Washington announced earlier this month that it would reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, a decision made after New Delhi agreed to halt imports of Russian oil.
