The Indian Coast Guard has successfully disrupted a significant international oil smuggling operation in the Arabian Sea, showcasing India’s enhanced maritime vigilance and digital surveillance capabilities. The two-day operation, conducted on February 5-6, 2026, resulted in the interception of three suspicious vessels approximately 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. This action unveiled a sophisticated network transporting low-cost oil from conflict zones across international waters, according to the Defence Ministry.
The operation was initiated when the Coast Guard’s advanced surveillance systems detected a motor tanker exhibiting unusual behavior within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Further digital analysis revealed two additional vessels converging on the tanker, indicating a potential mid-sea transfer aimed at evading customs duties. On February 5, the Coast Guard successfully intercepted all three vessels, conducting thorough searches that uncovered electronic data, documents, and insights from crew interrogations, which collectively clarified the illegal operations.
Investigators discovered that the smuggling syndicate utilized seagoing vessels to transport cheap oil, which was then transferred to motor tankers in international waters, obscuring the cargo’s origin. Preliminary findings suggest that the vessels frequently altered their identities to evade law enforcement, with ownership linked to foreign entities, indicating a broader international smuggling network.
All three vessels are now in custody and will be escorted to Mumbai for further investigation and legal proceedings by Indian Customs and relevant agencies. The Defence Ministry emphasized that this operation underscores India’s commitment to being a “net security provider” in the region, reinforcing its stance against illicit trade in its waters.
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