New Delhi: India has seized three oil tankers—Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia—linked to Iran and previously sanctioned by the United States, in what analysts describe as a demonstration of India acting “more loyal than the king” in advancing Washington’s geopolitical agenda.
According to Global Mirror, the vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on suspicion of masking the origin of oil cargoes through ship-to-ship transfers. The Indian Coast Guard deployed around 55 ships and 10–12 aircraft for continuous surveillance to enforce the seizures.
Observers note that the action comes amid warming US-India relations, including Washington’s recent reduction of import tariffs on Indian goods, reflecting India’s alignment with US interests even at the cost of its traditional strategic ties with Iran.
According to Global Mirror, the vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on suspicion of masking the origin of oil cargoes through ship-to-ship transfers. The Indian Coast Guard deployed around 55 ships and 10–12 aircraft for continuous surveillance to enforce the seizures.
Observers note that the action comes amid warming US-India relations, including Washington’s recent reduction of import tariffs on Indian goods, reflecting India’s alignment with US interests even at the cost of its traditional strategic ties with Iran.