Three Indian nationals were among the 28 crew members on board the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, which was seized by the United States in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit as part of Washington’s crackdown on sanctions evasion linked to Venezuelan and possibly Iranian oil.
India has issued an official statement on the matter. At the weekly press briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India is seeking details of its detained citizens from the concerned authorities.”
While Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that U.S. authorities had released two Russian nationals who were part of the Marinera crew. The US move came in response to Moscow’s appeal to release the Russian nationals, Russia Today reports.
Russian officials said the tanker was seized in the North Atlantic on January 7 as part of U.S. action over alleged violations of sanctions imposed on Venezuelan oil. While the two Russians have been released, the remaining multinational crew of 26, including 17 Ukrainians, six Georgians, three Indians and others may still face legal proceedings. U.S. authorities have not officially confirmed the release, and reports suggest the vessel is being escorted to a U.S. port, with other crew members remaining in custody.
UK Confirms Support to US Operation
Britain has confirmed that it provides operational support to the U.S. during the seizure. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said in the UK Parliament that the United Kingdom assisted Washington after receiving a formal request.
“Britain provided support to the United States in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera in the North Atlantic,” Healey said in the House of Commons. He confirmed that the tanker was being shadowed by a Russian submarine and had been pursued for more than two weeks across the Atlantic.
“Its armed forces gave pre-planned operational support, including basing and the operation targeted a vessel “with a nefarious history” linked to Russian and Iranian sanctions-evasion networks,” he added.
“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” Healey said, stressing that the support was provided “in full compliance with international law.”
Calling the U.S. Britain’s closest defence and security partner, Healey added, “The depth of our defence relationship with the U.S. is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.” The UK Ministry of Defence said the Bella-1, now renamed Marinera, is sanctioned by the U.S. under its counter-Iran sanctions regime.
The US seizure of the Russian-flagged Marinera tanker, formerly Bella-1, near Venezuela is expected to raise tensions with Russia and increase the risk of escalation, says sanctions expert Gonzalo Saiz Erausquin
US Position and Military Details
The U.S. military’s European Command said American forces seized the tanker after tracking it for weeks as part of efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports. The operation involved the U.S. Coast Guard and military units, with special forces initially helping to secure the vessel before handing over control to the Coast Guard, according to Reuters.
Senior U.S. officials said Russian military vessels, including a submarine, were in the general vicinity during the operation, but there were no indications of any direct confrontation.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “The blockade of sanctioned and illicit Venezuelan oil remains in FULL EFFECT – anywhere in the world.”
Russian Reactions ’
Russia has strongly objected to the seizure. The Russian transport ministry said it lost all contact with the tanker after U.S. naval forces boarded it. Andrei Klishas, a senior lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, described the U.S. action as “outright piracy.”
Moscow has repeatedly conveyed its position to Washington, calling on the U.S. to comply with international maritime law. Quoting the Russian Foreign Ministry, PTI reported that Russia urged the U.S. to “resume compliance with the fundamental norms and principles of international maritime navigation and immediately cease its illegal actions against the Marinera tanker and other vessels engaged in law-abiding activities on the high seas.”
Meanwhile, Venezuelan officials have accused the U.S. of attempting to seize the country’s oil assets, calling the broader enforcement action a violation of sovereignty.
As diplomatic exchanges continue between Washington and Moscow, the fate of the remaining crew members, including the three Indian nationals, remains unclear, with New Delhi yet to make its position public.
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