NEW DELHI – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday, January 9, 2026, that it is actively tracking reports of three Indian nationals aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, which was seized by US forces in the North Atlantic earlier this week.
Speaking during a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government is in the process of “ascertaining” the identities and status of the Indian crew members to ensure their safety and provide necessary consular assistance.
1. The Seizure of the “Marinera”
The vessel, formerly known as Bella 1, became the center of a high-stakes maritime standoff before its capture on Wednesday, January 7.
- The Operation: US European Command, supported by the British Royal Air Force, boarded the tanker northwest of Scotland. The operation followed a two-week pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea.
- The Legal Basis: The US Department of Justice cited violations of sanctions related to Venezuelan and Iranian oil. A federal court warrant was issued after the ship allegedly attempted to evade a US blockade.
- Renaming and Reflagging: Originally Bella 1, the ship was sanctioned in 2024. In late December 2025, it was renamed Marinera and granted a temporary permit to sail under the Russian flag, a move the US dismissed as a “failed attempt” to hide its identity.
2. Crew Composition & Detention
According to reports from Russia Today (RT) and official sources, the vessel had a total of 28 crew members at the time of seizure:
| Nationality | Number of Crew |
| Ukrainian | 17 |
| Georgian | 6 |
| Indian | 3 |
| Russian | 2 |
Status Update: While US officials initially detained all crew members for investigation, reports on Friday evening suggest that two Russian citizens have already been released following an appeal from Moscow. The status of the three Indian nationals remains under investigation by US federal authorities.
3. Diplomatic Reactions: Russia vs. USA
The incident has significantly strained relations between Washington and Moscow, occurring shortly after the US capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.
- Moscow’s Stance: The Russian Ministry of Transport characterized the seizure as “outright piracy” and a violation of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. They asserted that the vessel was in international waters and lawfully registered.
- Washington’s Stance: Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth reaffirmed that the blockade of illicit Venezuelan oil is in “full effect anywhere in the world.” White House officials added that the crew could face prosecution if found in violation of federal laws.