The Indian government has rejected reports claiming that payments were made to Iran, including in cash or cryptocurrency, to secure safe passage for Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials described the reports as “baseless” and dismissed suggestions that any such transaction had taken place.

The clarification follows an incident on April 18 involving two Indian vessels that reportedly turned back while attempting to navigate the key shipping route linking the Persian Gulf with global markets.

According to earlier reports, Iranian forces allegedly fired upon the ships during the passage attempt, though Indian authorities have not confirmed that account.

An audio recording attributed to the captain of the tanker Sanmar Herald surfaced following the incident, in which he can be heard appealing for firing to stop and stating that clearance for passage had already been obtained.

Some unverified reports had linked the incident to a so-called cryptocurrency scam, alleging that cyber actors were impersonating Iranian officials and demanding digital payments in exchange for safe transit.

However, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (India) dismissed those claims, with Additional Secretary Mukesh Mangl calling them “fake news.”

He said the vessel owner had confirmed that no payments were made for passage.

Chennai-based Sanmar Shipping also issued a statement denying the reports, saying the claims were entirely false and that it is working with Indian authorities to ensure the safety of its vessels.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, and incidents in the region have repeatedly raised concerns about maritime security.