Indian authorities have denied entry to the oil tanker Andaman Skies , carrying around 100,000 metric tons of Russian crude, over documentation concerns. The ship, which was destined for Vadinar Port and operated under the Tanzanian flag, failed to meet India’s maritime certification requirements.

According to sources, the vessel lacked a seaworthiness certificate from a recognized classification body. India mandates that oil tankers older than 20 years be certified by an organization affiliated with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) or another approved regulatory body. However, the Andaman Skies  was certified by Dakar Class, an India-based organization not acknowledged by Indian authorities.

This incident comes amid growing international scrutiny of Russian oil shipments. Recent U.S. sanctions have targeted over 100 vessels linked to Russia, aiming to curb Moscow’s oil revenue. Indian refiners have been directed to avoid dealings with sanctioned companies and ships, leading to increased compliance checks and delays in crude oil deliveries.

Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum—key importers of Russian oil—have already stopped accepting shipments transported via Sovcomflot, a Russian shipping giant under U.S. sanctions. These moves have led to disruptions in oil trade, with several Russian crude shipments now waiting for clearance near India’s coastline.

India, one of the largest importers of Russian crude, has continued to buy discounted oil despite Western sanctions but has taken steps to ensure compliance with international regulations. The rejection of the *Andaman Skies* reflects India's commitment to maintaining maritime safety standards and adhering to port entry regulations.

With increasing pressure from Western nations, India's oil import policies are evolving to navigate geopolitical complexities while securing stable energy supplies. The incident highlights the growing challenges faced by both Russian oil exporters and Indian refiners in sustaining their trade relations under tightened regulatory scrutiny.