Alarm over ‘exploding’ rise in use of sanctions-busting shadow fleet
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The US, Estonia, and France have intensified interdictions and blockades against a 'shadow fleet' used by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to bypass western sanctions.
Background
The shadow fleet is expanding in scale to ship cargo while avoiding western sanctions. US forces seized a tanker off Venezuela allegedly smuggling oil for Hezbollah, while Russia is using military assets to protect its tankers.
Facts for Prelims
- FactShadow fleet is used by Russia, Iran, and Venezuela to bypass western sanctions
- PlaceUS forces seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela
- FactRussia is using military assets to protect tankers in the shadow fleet
- FactChina and India remain major consumers of Russian oil despite sanctions
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the expansion of 'shadow fleets' complicates the efficacy of international sanctions and poses risks to maritime security.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Geopolitical friction: Escalation of military assets to protect tankers in contested waters
- Sanctions evasion: Lack of sanctions on major Russian oil producers facilitating shadow fleet growth
- Maritime security: Risks of direct confrontation between Western forces and Russian military assets
Keywords: Sanctions evasion · Maritime security · Shadow fleet · Geopolitical friction · Trade bypass
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