A major action has been seen in the sea amid the ongoing geopolitical tension between America and Russia. A Russian-flagged oil tanker has been seized by the US, causing a stir in diplomatic circles. The matter of concern for India in this development is that three Indian citizens are also present on this tanker captured by the US Army. Since this action, security has been increased in the area and the situation is being closely monitored.
Three Indian citizens are among the 28 crew members on board the ship, accused of violating sanctions
A total of 28 crew members were on board the tanker which was taken under the control of the American Army. The number of Russian citizens among these crew members is the highest, but the presence of three Indians has made the matter more sensitive. It has been argued by the US administration that the ship was carrying crude oil bypassing international sanctions. On the basis of this allegation, the ship was stopped in the middle of the sea and after investigation it was confiscated.
Attempt to change name and flag to hide identity, surveillance carried out from Caribbean Sea to North Atlantic
One of the main reasons behind this seizure is said to be the tanker’s attempt to hide his identity. According to the information, the tanker had changed both its name and flag to avoid being caught. The US Coast Guard had been tracking the activities of this suspicious ship for a long time. Its surveillance was started from the Caribbean Sea itself and eventually it was surrounded and captured in the North Atlantic Ocean. The US has considered this a serious violation of international maritime transport rules.
Russia called American action a part of political pressure, said- transportation of oil was completely legal
Russia has reacted strongly to this entire incident and has completely rejected all the allegations made by America. Russia says that this tanker was transporting oil completely legally and no international maritime law was broken during this period. The Russian Transport Ministry has termed this action of the US Army as unnecessary and termed it a ploy to create political pressure.
Agencies alert regarding the safety of Indian citizens present on the ship, currently there is no news of any casualty.
As soon as information was received that three Indian citizens were trapped on the ship, the concerned agencies became active. Constant updates are being taken regarding the safety of Indian citizens and their current situation. At present, it is a matter of relief that till now there is no news of any crew member being injured or being tortured in any way in custody. This matter is being monitored at the diplomatic level so that the safe return of Indian citizens can be ensured.