Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 21:47 IST Sources said these oil tankers – transporting sanctioned crude from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela – engage in “going dark” by disabling their AIS transponders to hide their movements These oil tankers are increasingly seen as a triple threat, raising fears of catastrophic environmental spills, maritime collisions, and sudden domestic price shocks. (Image for representation: IMAGEN 4 ENGINE) Security agencies in India have raised serious concerns over what they called a growing “shadow” fleet of risky, aging oil tankers operating in close to the country’s coastline. These “ghost oil tankers” are increasingly seen as a triple threat, raising fears of catastrophic environmental spills, maritime collisions, and sudden domestic price shocks. As India navigates its energy security requirements amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, the presence of these ships – transporting sanctioned crude from Russia, Iran, and Venezuela – presents a precarious challenge to the region’s stability. Their operators reportedly employ deceptive tactics to bypass western sanctions, price caps, and international regulations. HOW DO THESE SHIPS FUNCTION? According to top government …