On Wednesday, India firmly rejected allegations of making cash or cryptocurrency payments to Iran for safe passage of its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global energy supplies. This denial follows an incident on April 18, when Iranian forces fired upon two Indian vessels, including the tanker Sanmar Herald, which had received prior clearance to navigate the strait. Reports suggested that the vessel's captain pleaded with Iranian forces to cease firing, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, labeled the payment claims as fake news, asserting that they stemmed from a cryptocurrency scam targeting shipowners. The shipping company, Chennai-based Sanmar Shipping, also denied any payments, stating that they are coordinating with Indian government agencies to ensure safe passage. The Strait of Hormuz is crucial, handling about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows, and disruptions in this area have significant global repercussions, including rising energy prices and fuel shortages.