Iran pushes India to release seized tankers amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

Iran has formally requested the release of three tankers seized by Indian authorities in February, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters, as part of ongoing talks aimed at securing the safe passage of Indian-flagged or India-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

The three vessels — Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia, and Stellar Ruby — were detained near Indian waters on allegations that they had concealed or altered their identities and engaged in illegal ship-to-ship transfers at sea. Stellar Ruby is Iranian-flagged, while Asphalt Star and Al Jafzia are registered in Nicaragua and Mali, respectively.

A police complaint filed by the Indian Coast Guard on February 15 indicated that Asphalt Star was involved in smuggling heavy fuel oil, which was allegedly transferred to Al Jafzia, while bitumen was shipped to Stellar Ruby. All three ships remain docked off Mumbai. Iranian state media, citing the National Iranian Oil Company, has said the vessels had no connection to the company.

Jugwinder Singh Brar, accused by the United States of operating a shipping network transporting Iranian oil, said he served as a consultant for all three ships. “We were transporting bitumen and there is nothing illegal in doing this. My ships have been there for 40 days and I have faced losses,” he told Reuters, adding that he was unaware of any negotiations over the tankers.

The request comes as part of broader discussions between India and Iran over maritime security and the safe passage of vessels through the Gulf. Iran’s ambassador to New Delhi met Indian foreign ministry officials on March 16 to discuss the issue, sources said. Tehran has also sought supplies of certain medicines and medical equipment, according to an Iranian official.

India recently allowed two Indian liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, with one returning to western India on March 16. Since the beginning of the war in Iran, traffic has slowed to a near standstill, with attacks in the Gulf by Tehran killing three Indian sailors and leaving one missing.

At least 22 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 611 Indian seafarers remain in the Gulf, according to officials. Six of these ships are loaded with LPG, a crucial import that accounts for around 90% of India’s total supply, making their safe passage a priority.

Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the ongoing engagement between the two countries. “Recent movements reflect a history of engagement, of dealing with each other,” he said, adding that no direct exchanges have yet taken place regarding the tankers.

By Vafa Guliyeva