# UK detention of Indian captain over Russia sanctions sparks ‘perfect storm’

https://mins.news/en/item/132021

- Al Jazeera, 2026-11-06 08:32 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/11/6/uk-jailing-of-indian-sailor-over-russia-sanctions-sets-off-perfect-storm?traffic_source=rss

> Indian captain Ajay Pant was aboard the MT Smyrtos in international waters when British forces seized the tanker, which is under Western sanctions for allegedly helping Russia evade restrictions. Pant faces charges of breaching UK sanctions and could receive up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The case has alarmed seafarer-rights advocates and highlighted tensions between open-seas navigation and sanctions enforcement.