Iran’s envoy says Indian ships were not charged for transiting Hormuz and will continue to pass.
Ambassador of Iran to India, Mohammad Fathali, addresses the International Quds Day Conference, in New Delhi. (IMAGE: PTI)
Indian tankers transiting through the Strait of Hormuz have not paid any tolls to Iran, Tehran’s ambassador to New Delhi said on Monday, after US President Donald Trump vowed to block vessels making payments to the Islamic republic.
He also told broadcaster NDTV that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for Indian ships.
“You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything up to now,” Ambassador Mohammad Fathali told reporters at a briefing at Iran’s embassy.
“In this difficult time, we have good relations. We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate,” he added.
Speaking to the broadcaster, the envoy said Iranian authorities were in “good contact” with their Indian counterparts to facilitate passage through the strategic waterway.
“We have good contact with the [Indian] government for allowing their ships to sail through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
The Indian government has repeatedly denied paying any toll to secure the passage of its vessels. During inter-ministerial briefings following the onset of the conflict in West Asia, officials said no such payments had been made for ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) through the route.
Earlier this month, India also said it had held no discussions with Iran on the imposition of any toll.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, speaking at a press briefing, said there had been “no such discussion with Iran” regarding charges on Indian-flagged or Indian-operated vessels.
India has also said that 15 Indian-flagged vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf amid the ongoing tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical energy corridor, with about half of India’s crude oil and LPG supplies passing through the route.
April 13, 2026, 20:31 IST
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