Iran has clarified that no toll has been collected from Indian ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and India will be given full cooperation in future also. Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fatahli said that this can be easily verified from the Indian government that no fee has been charged till now.
Relations between Iran and India stronger than ever
He stressed that in the current sensitive situation, relations between Iran and India are stronger than ever and the interests of both the countries are interconnected. Fatahli also assured that Iran is fully committed to the security of Indian ships and will provide all possible assistance for their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, the Iranian administration is in constant touch with the Indian government and wants to ensure that Indian ships can pass through this important sea route without any hindrance. He also told that the Foreign Minister of Iran has included India among its five most trusted friendly countries.
On the other hand, the Indian government has also rejected reports that any toll has been paid to Iran for the safe evacuation of Indian ships. After the recent increase in tension, when maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was affected, nine LPG ships of India were safely evacuated from the area. Currently about 15 Indian flagged ships are present in the Persian Gulf and the situation is being constantly monitored.
The Strait of Hormuz is a very important sea route for India, because a major part of the country’s total crude oil and LPG imports come through this route. In such a situation, any kind of tension in this region can have a direct impact on India’s energy supply and business activities. Fatahli also expressed his gratitude to the Indian government and Indian citizens and said that India has played the role of a reliable partner in times of crisis.
What did Fatahli say on the situation in Hormuz?
Commenting on the situation in Hormuz, Fatahli said that this waterway comes under the jurisdiction of Iran. He claimed that there was normal traffic before the war, but after the recent attacks the situation has changed. Accusing America and Israel, he said that civilian infrastructure was damaged during the conflict. He also said that Iran gives importance to diplomacy, but due to past experiences it cannot completely trust America. However, if America backs down from its “illegal demands”, then the possibility of talks may remain.
Meanwhile, a statement has also come out from America, in which Donald Trump has talked about blockade in Hormuz. The US Central Command has said that during this period, Iranian ports and coastal areas will be monitored and some activities will be banned, although there will be no direct ban on the normal movement of ships from other countries.
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