New Delhi, March 24 -- The Shipping Ministry on Tuesday rejected reports of any proposed toll or levy on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, terming such claims "baseless" and reaffirming that the key maritime passage is governed by international conventions ensuring freedom of navigation.

Speaking at a joint inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Shipping, Rajesh Sinha, stressed that no charges can be imposed on ships crossing the strait under global regulations.

"Regarding the question about toll or levy while crossing the Strait of Hormuz. As you would know, this is an international Strait, and as per international convention, it has the right of freedom of navigation and no levy...