Despite the two-week ceasefire between America and Iran, the situation regarding the passage of the ship through the Strait of Hormuz is still not completely clear. Iran is collecting 2 million dollars from some ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. India has adopted the principle of free and safe movement through this route. This has become a point of controversy in the US-Iran talks being held in Pakistan.
How much is Iran collecting from ships passing through Hormuz?
Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security Committee, told Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that collecting $2 million in transit fees from some ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz shows Iran’s strength. After the attack on Iran that started on February 28, this route was closed for ships carrying oil and gas.
Is Iran extorting money from India also?
After the announcement of temporary ceasefire by US President Donald Trump, India said that it has not talked to Iran about the number of casualties. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘We have also received reports of toll being imposed on the Strait of Hormuz. India continues to demand free and safe passage of ships through this route. We have said the same things before.
Even before the ceasefire, there were reports of fee collection from Iran. At the same time, Iran has allowed India to travel through this route as a friendly country. In such a situation, the question is whether India had paid transit fee to Iran for taking its ships out of the Strait of Hormuz. The central government has denied that any such payment was made to Iran.
India will continue to demand safe shipping: Jaiswal
Randhir Jaiswal said on April 9, ‘There has been no discussion between us and Iran regarding money in exchange for the ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz. If such a situation arises in future, a decision will be taken at that time. We will continue to demand unhindered and safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. 8 LPG tankers with Indian flag have passed through this route. India is highly dependent on the Middle East for its oil and gas supplies, up to 90 percent of which is imported.
