---
title: "India seizes Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, steps up surveillance"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/276059905.md"
datetime: "2026-02-16T13:34:39.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/276059905.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/276059905.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/276059905.md)
---

> Supported Languages: [简体中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/276059905.md) | [繁體中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/276059905.md)


# India seizes Iran-linked US-sanctioned tankers, steps up surveillance

Seizures follow improvement in US trade ties

Seized tankers frequently changed identities to evade law enforcement

Indian Coast Guard deploys 55 ships, 10-12 aircraft for surveillance

By Saurabh Sharma

NEW DELHI, Feb 16 (Reuters) - India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned tanker ships linked to Iran this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb illicit trade, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said on Monday.

India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes, the source added. The seizures and heightened surveillance follow an improvement in U.S.-India relations. Washington earlier this month announced it will cut import tariffs on Indian goods to 18% from 50%, as New Delhi has agreed to stop Russian oil imports.

Sanctioned vessels Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia frequently changed their identities to evade law enforcement by coastal states, the source said, adding that their owners were based overseas.

Indian authorities said in a post on X on February 6 that they had intercepted three vessels about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after detecting suspicious activity involving a tanker in India’s exclusive economic zone. The post was later deleted, but the source now confirmed that the vessels had been escorted to Mumbai for further investigation.

The Indian Coast Guard has since deployed about 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, according to the source.

The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control last year sanctioned the vessels Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1 with IMO numbers identical to the ships captured by India.

Two of the three tankers are linked to Iran, with Al Jafzia having carried fuel oil from Iran to Djibouti in 2025 and Stellar Ruby flagged in Iran, according to LSEG data.

The Asphalt Star mostly operated on voyages around China, the data show. Sanctioned oil and fuel are often sold at deep discounts due to the risks involved, with intermediaries moving cargo through complex ownership structures, false documentation and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement.

### Related Stocks

- [Nippon Life Insurance Co. (NDIA.AU)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/NDIA.AU.md)
- [Xtrackers Nifty 500 India ETF (IND.US)](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IND.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Iran war poses mixed risks, negative credit impact for Asia Pacific ports, airports, Fitch says](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278687363.md)
- [Luxury housing boom to lift India home prices through 2028: Poll](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278823984.md)
- [Torm A/S Signals Strength Amid Normalizing Tanker Market](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278463388.md)
- [India govt official: 28 Indian flag vessels operating in Persian Gulf](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278716335.md)
- [Robin Energy Announces Proposed Spin-Off of its Tanker Business | RBNE Stock News](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278617059.md)