Is the US Really Using Indian Ports to Strike Iran? Here Is What New Delhi Says

The government of India has rejected claims that the United States is using Indian ports or naval bases to launch military strikes against Iran, calling the reports “baseless” and “fabricated.” The clarification came after a video circulated widely on social media featuring comments from Douglas Macgregor suggesting that American forces were relying on Indian facilities during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Officials in New Delhi moved quickly to dismiss the claim, stating that the assertion was not grounded in fact.

The response was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through its official fact-check channel on social media platform X. In its statement, the ministry described the remarks made during an interview on One America News Network as “fake and false.” The ministry also cautioned the public and media outlets against spreading unverified claims that could create confusion amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

In the viral interview clip, Macgregor claimed that American military infrastructure had been severely damaged, forcing the US Navy to rely on ports in India for logistical support. He suggested that the United States had to “fall back on India and Indian ports,” describing the arrangement as less than ideal from a strategic standpoint. However, Indian authorities strongly rejected this claim, reiterating that no such arrangement exists and that the statements circulating online were misleading.

Also Read: India Enlists Private Space Firms For Satellite Protection Programme

India has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate. New Delhi has expressed “deep concern” about the deteriorating security situation in the region and has urged all parties involved to exercise restraint. Officials have repeatedly called for efforts to avoid further escalation while emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives and maintain regional stability.

The wider conflict intensified after joint military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian positions earlier in the week, reportedly killing Ali Khamenei during the opening phase of the operation. Iran responded by launching missile attacks against Israeli targets as well as American military bases located in Gulf countries. The exchange of strikes has significantly raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

Military activity in the region has continued to escalate, including reports that a US submarine sank the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean after it had earlier visited India on a friendly mission. The war has now entered its sixth day, with reports indicating heavy casualties on multiple sides. Despite the intensifying conflict, India has reiterated its call for de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

Also Read: China Cuts Growth Target To Lowest Level Since 1991