Two oil tankers carrying Saudi crude for Indian refiners have navigated the Red Sea without broadcasting their positions, switching off tracking systems to evade potential attacks after Yemen's Houthis announced a blockade on Saudi shipments. The vessels — the Amazon and the Rodos — are the first known instances of Saudi oil shipments to India employing this tactic since the blockade began. Main Developments The Suezmax tanker Amazon, chartered by Indian Oil Corp, loaded 1 million barrels of oil at Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port around July 20, while the Aframax Rodos lifted 700,000 barrels for Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd. Both vessels initially turned north toward the Suez Canal but then switched off their Automatic Identification System transponders around July 22, preventing public tracking, and headed south to exit the Red Sea through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The Rodos is expected to arrive at India's Mangalore port on August 1, while the Amazon is scheduled to reach Chennai in early August, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Both vessels are managed by Greece-based Dynacom Tankers, which had no immediate comment. Read also: Joe Root Returns as England Test Captain, Stephen Fleming Named Coach Background The decision to sail dark followed attacks on two other Dynacom ships — the Malta-flagged Panamax tanker Kavomaleas and the Liberian-flagged VLCC Acheloos — which were hit by projectiles. Indian refiners have since shifted to buying Middle Eastern cargoes on a delivered basis to avoid the Red Sea route, and MRPL stated in its latest tender it will only purchase oil shipped on routes that bypass the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis announced a blockade on Saudi shipments, prompting the security measure. Turning off transponders is considered normal practice in war zone areas, according to sources familiar with maritime operations. Why It Matters India relies heavily on crude imports from Saudi Arabia, and disruptions to this supply chain could affect fuel prices and refinery operations. The use of dark sailing tactics highlights growing security risks in the Red Sea, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil trade, and may force Indian refiners to seek alternative suppliers or longer, safer routes. The incident also raises questions about the safety of crew members and the effectiveness of existing naval patrols in the region. Indian refiners have approached the government for help securing safe passage, though it remains unclear whether officials have engaged with Houthi or Iranian authorities. What's Next The Amazon and Rodos are expected to reach Indian ports in early August, with their cargoes likely processed by refineries that have already adjusted procurement strategies. MRPL's tender conditions suggest a broader shift in Indian oil purchasing practices, potentially reducing exposure to Red Sea risks. The Indian government's response — whether through diplomatic channels or maritime security measures — will be closely watched by global energy markets.