India has seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran ​this month and stepped up surveillance in its maritime ⁠zone to curb illicit trade, a source said on Monday (February 16, 2026). Washington earlier this month announced it will ⁠cut import tariffs on Indian goods to18% from 50%, after New Delhi agreed to stop Russian oil imports. Vessels seized off MumbaiIranian state media cited the National Iranian Oil Company as saying that the three tankers seized by ‌India had no connection to the company. The Coast Guard has since deployed about 55 ships and between 10 and 12 aircraft for round-the-clock surveillance in its maritime zones, according to the source. 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.

Source: The Hindu February 17, 2026 05:23 UTC