India on Wednesday denied making any payments - either in cash or cryptocurrency - to Iran to secure safe passage for its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the region.

"This unfortunate incident (of Iranian guards firing on Indian ships) happened on April 18. There was firing on two of our vessels, that's why they had to go back," he said. "As we have been telling in past also, we do not have any new data, any confirmation on any of our vessels has paid money to any of the authorities for this purpose." He termed as "fake news" reports suggesting that Sanmar Herald paid money to some cybercriminals, and that's why it was fired upon.

"There is no relation (between the firing and the reports)," he said. "This is fake news." Chennai-based Sanmar Shipping denied any payment.

"It has come to our attention that there have been reports on social media about Sanmar Shipping's very large crude carrier, Sanmar Herald, flying the Indian flag, falling prey to a cryptocurrency scam.

"We would like to clarify that these reports are completely false," it said in a statement.

The shipping line said it is working in close coordination with the relevant agency of the Indian government to ensure the safe passage of Sanmar Herald.