India rejects claims of cash or crypto payments to Iran for passage of ships through Strait of Hormuz

The Union government on Wednesday firmly dismissed reports suggesting that Indian vessels made payments, either in cash or cryptocurrency, to Iran to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials termed such claims as baseless amid heightened tensions in the strategically vital region. The clarification follows an incident on April 18, when two India-flagged vessels were forced to retreat after Iranian forces opened fire as they attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The development triggered concern within maritime circles and raised questions about safety in one of the world's busiest energy routes.