India has seized three more vessels linked to Iran and stepped up surveillance in its maritime zone to curb alleged illegal trade activities.
According to Indian website NDTV, the move aims to prevent Indian waters from being used for ship-to-ship transfers intended to conceal the transportation of oil cargo.
Indian media reported that the seized vessels, Asphalt Star, Stellar Ruby and Al Jafziya, frequently changed their identities in an apparent attempt to evade coastal law enforcement agencies. The owners of the impounded ships are reportedly based overseas.
Earlier, Indian authorities said in a February 6 post that three ships were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai after suspicious activity was detected involving a tanker within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Although the post was later deleted, Indian media confirmed that the vessels were brought to Mumbai for further investigation.
Reports added that the Indian Coast Guard has deployed 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft across its maritime zones to ensure round-the-clock monitoring.
The development comes amid improving ties between the United States and India.
Earlier this month, Washington announced it would reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50 percent to 18 percent after New Delhi agreed to halt imports of Russian oil.
