India Refutes Claims of Payments to Iran for Safe Passage in Strait of Hormuz

In a recent statement, Indian authorities have categorically denied any payments made to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This clarification follows an incident where two Indian vessels were fired upon by Iranian forces. The Ministry of Ports has labeled reports of financial arrangements as 'fake news,' emphasizing that no payments were made. The situation has raised concerns about a potential cryptocurrency scam targeting shipowners. As tensions in the region escalate, the implications for global energy supply and maritime security remain significant.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 22, 2026, 20:30 IST

Clarification from Indian Authorities

On Wednesday, Indian officials firmly denied any allegations of payments, whether in cash or cryptocurrency, made to Iran for the safe passage of its vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, especially amid rising regional tensions.

This statement followed an incident on April 18, when two Indian ships were compelled to retreat from the Strait after Iranian forces opened fire as they attempted to navigate through the vital waterway.

An audio recording has emerged featuring the captain of the Indian tanker Sanmar Herald, who can be heard urgently requesting Iranian forces to cease firing, despite having received prior clearance to traverse the Strait. He stated, "This is motor vessel, Sanmar Herald. You gave me clearance to go, my name is second on your list… You are firing now. Let me turn back."

New Delhi has consistently dismissed any claims of financial dealings with Tehran regarding maritime movement through this critical energy route, although some reports have linked the April 18 incident to a cryptocurrency scam.

It has been reported that scammers are misleading shipowners by offering false assurances of safe passage through the strait in exchange for cryptocurrency. At least one vessel reportedly fell victim to this scam and was fired upon while attempting to cross, according to maritime risk services firm Marisk.

During a press conference, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, labeled the reports of any payments made for the safe passage of Sanmar Herald as "fake news."

He elaborated, "There are rumors about a payment made by the captain of the vessel Sanmar Herald in US dollars to individuals claiming to represent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy for passage, which turned out to be a scam. We have confirmed with the vessel's owner that no such incident occurred."

Mangal noted that his ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs, evaluates the situation before advising Indian vessels, which have been stranded in the Persian Gulf since the onset of the Iran conflict, to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz.

"The unfortunate incident involving Iranian guards firing on Indian ships occurred on April 18, which is why they had to turn back. We have no new information confirming that any of our vessels have made payments to any authorities for this purpose," he stated.

He reiterated that reports suggesting Sanmar Herald made payments to cybercriminals are unfounded, asserting, "There is no connection between the firing and these reports; this is fake news."

Sanmar Shipping, based in Chennai, also denied any allegations of payment.

"We have noticed reports circulating on social media regarding our large crude carrier, Sanmar Herald, flying the Indian flag, being a victim of a cryptocurrency scam. We want to clarify that these claims are entirely false," the company stated.

The shipping line confirmed it is working closely with the relevant Indian government agency to ensure the safe passage of Sanmar Herald.

According to shipping monitor TankerTrackers.com, two Indian-flagged vessels, including a supertanker carrying Iraqi crude, were forced to turn back on April 18 after coming under fire.

These disruptions occur as numerous commercial vessels and thousands of seafarers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict on February 28, significantly hindering movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, handling approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the world's most vital energy corridors. Iran's capability to disrupt traffic in this narrow passage has become a significant factor in the ongoing conflict.

The suspension of transit has led to rising energy prices, supply shortages in various regions, and forced some nations to ration fuel, highlighting the global ramifications of the standoff.