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India says it has held no talks with Iran on tolls for Indian vessels as Iran tightens control of the Strait of Hormuz, India has evacuated over 1200 citizens from Iran
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India on Thursday said that it held no discussions with Iran regarding the imposition of a toll on vessels operated by India. The confirmation came in an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a press briefing on Thursday.
Speaking at a press briefing, Jaiswal said there has been “no such discussion with Iran” on the issue of charges for Indian-flagged or Indian-operated vessels.
The statement comes at a time when fresh restrictions by Tehran have sharply reduced traffic through the strategic waterway. According to shipping data firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, vessel movement through the Strait has dropped to just six per cent of normal levels, marking a steep 94 per cent decline compared to the same period last year.
Most of the limited activity now involves tankers transporting Iranian oil, often operating outside sanctions frameworks. Iran has also introduced a new screening process, informally described as a “toll booth” system. Ships are no longer allowed to pass through the usual central deep-water route and are instead directed closer to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island.
Under this system, vessel operators must first coordinate with intermediaries approved by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They are required to share detailed information about ownership, cargo and crew before being granted passage.
However, there is little evidence of widespread payments. Of at least 63 vessels that used the Larak Island route in the past two weeks, only two are confirmed to have paid any fee. Most others appear to have crossed after diplomatic support from their respective governments.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor, handling nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas supply during normal times.
The current crisis began on February 28, when the United States and Israel carried out air strikes on Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile attacks and tightened its grip over the Strait.
Meanwhile, Jaiswal said India has evacuated over 1,200 citizens from Iran so far, including 845 students. Of these, 996 travelled via Armenia, while 204 crossed into Azerbaijan.
Earlier in the day, Iran sought to reassure India, saying: “Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries,” in a message posted by its embassy in New Delhi.
April 02, 2026, 7:43 PM IST
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