India denies discussing release of tankers with Iran for Hormuz passage

Vessels linked to US-sanctioned network

The seized tankers, Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia and Stellar Ruby, are currently docked off Mumbai. Stellar Ruby is Iranian-flagged, while the other two vessels are flagged to Nicaragua and Mali, according to LSEG data.

A police complaint filed by the Indian Coast Guard on February 15, and seen by Reuters, said Asphalt Star was involved in the smuggling of heavy fuel oil that was transferred to Al Jafzia and bitumen to Stellar Ruby.

All three ships are tied to entities under US sanctions for allegedly helping transport Iranian oil. The consultant for the vessels, Jugwinder Singh Brar, is himself on a US sanctions list, though he denies any illicit activity.