India, April 10 -- Amid reports that Iran is charging some ships $2 million to cross the Strait of Hormuz, India has taken a consistent stand calling for free and safe navigation through the waterway, which remains a sticking point in US-Iran talks set to be held in Pakistan.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a member of the Iranian parliament's national security committee, told state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that "collecting $2 million as transit fees from some vessels crossing the strait reflects Iran's strength".

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, has become a critical maritime chokepoint for ships carrying oil, gas, and other commodities, ever since Teh...