India seizes three US sanctioned tankers linked to Iran and increases maritime surveillance
India seized three sanctioned tankers this month to curb illicit trade. The move follows a trade deal with the US and includes increased maritime patrols.
India
IN has seized three tanker ships sanctioned by the United States
US and linked to Iran
IR as part of an intensified effort to secure its maritime borders. Alongside the seizures, Indian authorities have implemented round-the-clock maritime surveillance to curb illicit oil trade and prevent ship-to-ship transfers that obscure cargo origin. These measures, carried out by the Indian Coast Guard, are specifically intended to strengthen the enforcement of sanctions and bolster maritime security within India's exclusive economic zone.
The operation took place approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai, where the three sanctioned vessels were intercepted and subsequently escorted to Mumbai. The scale of the response was significant, involving the deployment of about 55 ships and 10–12 aircraft to monitor the region. This enforcement action aligns with the objectives of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding sanctioned maritime entities.











