India's coast guard has undertaken its first public action against tankers suspected of violating U.S. sanctions by seizing three vessels near its western coastline. This operation marks a significant shift in India's relationship with Washington, as it aligns with U.S. efforts to combat a shadow fleet that has emerged for oil smuggling. The arrested tankers were reportedly found transferring crude oil at sea, showcasing India's intention to reinforce its international obligations while navigating geopolitical complexities.

The vessels were intercepted on February 6, located approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai, and were flagged as part of an international oil smuggling racket, as stated by the Indian coast guard via Instagram. This move comes after a period of strained relations stemming from India's substantial oil purchases from Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the careful balancing act India must perform in its foreign policy.

According to analysts, the timing of the arrests indicates a thaw in relations between India and the U.S., suggesting a shared commitment to enforcing international sanctions. This action could lead to a more robust collaboration between Washington and New Delhi on maritime security issues, implicating broader geopolitical consequences for the region and the global oil market.