In a significant enforcement action, India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran—*Stellar Ruby*, *Asphalt Star*, and *Al Jafzia*—approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. This operation, confirmed by multiple sources including the *Tribune Latest* and *Business Recorder*, aims to curb illicit oil trade and prevent ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origins of oil cargoes. The Indian Coast Guard has ramped up its maritime surveillance, deploying around 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for continuous monitoring in its exclusive economic zone. The heightened vigilance comes in the wake of improved US-India relations, marked by the US decision to reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% after India agreed to halt Russian oil imports. A source noted, "India aims to prevent its waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes," highlighting the strategic importance of this operation (Business Recorder, February 16, 2026).