India has seized three oil tankers linked to Iran that are under U.S. sanctions, a source confirmed on Monday, February 16, 2026. These tankers - Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia - were caught near Mumbai after suspicious activity inside India’s exclusive economic zone. The source said India is stepping up maritime surveillance, deploying about 55 ships and 10 to 12 aircraft for constant monitoring. The seized vessels often changed their names to avoid law enforcement and have overseas owners. Iranian state media said the National Iranian Oil Company denied ties to these ships or their cargoes. Earlier this month, the U.S. cut import tariffs on Indian goods after India agreed to stop importing Russian oil, marking closer cooperation between the two countries. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control announced last year sanctions on vessels named Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1, which share IMO numbers with the seized ships. The Al Jafzia carried fuel from Iran to Djibouti in 2025, and Stellar Ruby was flagged in Iran. Asphalt Star mainly operated around China. Sanctioned oil is often sold cheaply through complex ownership, false documents, and mid-sea transfers to hide its origin. India aims to block its waters from being used for such ship-to-ship transfers and stop illegal oil trade.