Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:40pm on 12 Jan 2026,Monday India Global
Indian nationals aboard the Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized by US forces in the North Atlantic, have been released. The vessel was intercepted during a US-led operation targeting a "shadow fleet" transporting oil for sanctioned countries including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran. Among 28 crew members detained were three Indians, along with Ukrainian, Georgian, and Russian nationals. The release coincides with new US Ambassador Sergio Gor assuming office in New Delhi, emphasizing continued US-India engagement despite differences. Russia previously criticized the seizure as illegal, warning prosecution was "categorically unacceptable." Moscow accused Washington of stoking tensions and threatening international shipping, claiming the operation generates acute international crisis situations. (PC: AFP)
