The Indian government, through the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW), has clarified that Indian-flagged vessels have not paid any tolls to Iranian authorities or non-state actors for crossing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. This statement comes in response to allegations regarding the captain of the vessel Sanmar Herald, who was said to have made a payment in US dollars to an individual claiming to represent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy for passage rights. Following the alleged payment, the captain reportedly became a victim of cyber criminals. The government's assertion aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding toll payments amid rising tensions in West Asia.