Iran envoy assures free passage for Indian tankers through Strait of Hormuz, no toll imposed

Indian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz have not paid any tolls to Iran, Tehran’s envoy to New Delhi said on Monday, while affirming that the key shipping route remains open for India despite rising tensions in West Asia.

Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Fathali, said there has been no charge levied on Indian tankers so far and stressed that both countries continue to maintain close coordination to ensure uninterrupted passage.

“You can ask the Indian government if we have charged anything up to now,” he said at a briefing, highlighting the “good relations” between the two nations. “We believe Iran and India share common interests and a common fate.”

Speaking to NDTV, the envoy added that Iranian authorities are in active contact with Indian officials to facilitate safe transit through the strategic corridor.

India has consistently denied making any payments for the movement of its ships. Government officials, in inter-ministerial briefings held after the outbreak of the regional conflict, reiterated that no tolls were paid for vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Earlier, the government had also clarified that there were no discussions with Iran regarding any such charges. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there had been “no such discussion” on levying fees on Indian-flagged or operated vessels.

Amid the ongoing tensions, India has said that 15 of its ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial energy lifeline for India, with nearly half of the country’s crude oil and LPG supplies passing through the route.