India is enhancing its oversight of vessels involved in circumventing international trade sanctions, having revoked the certification of over 200 tankers and other ships in the past three years.
The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), a leading global certification body based in Mumbai, will conduct inspections of these tankers. The removal from its registry may complicate insurance procurement and access to ports for the affected vessels.
As of 2023, IRClass has excluded 235 ships from its registry, predominantly oil tankers along with a few gas carriers, according to Arun Sharma, the head of the organization.
Sharma noted that previously, some vessels in the registry were subject to Western sanctions, but IRClass has now adopted a “very comprehensive” sanctions policy. He stated, “Since around 2023, we do not register any vessels that are under any sanctions—whether from the U.S., Europe, or the U.K.,” referring to sanctions imposed on Russia and Iran due to the ongoing conflict and Tehran’s nuclear program.
India’s relationship with Russia remains significant, as it is one of the largest purchasers of Russian oil since the onset of the full-scale war in Ukraine. However, New Delhi has recently become more cautious regarding deals that may violate Western sanctions.
Notably, the country has ceased purchasing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) from projects that are under U.S. restrictions. Additionally, Indian authorities have tightened requirements for tankers entering its ports, with some vessels carrying Russian oil already facing limitations due to inadequate certification.
India is reinforcing its regulatory measures on vessels to prevent sanction evasion, revoking certifications for over 200 ships. This move reflects a growing caution in New Delhi's dealings with Russian oil amidst international sanctions.