New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs has refuted reports that US is using India’s ports to launch attacks on Iran amid the ongoing escalation in West Asia.
The rebuttal was issued on March 4 via the MEA’s official FactCheck account on X (formerly Twitter). It described the allegations as “fake and false,” adding a caution against “such baseless and fabricated comments.” The statement specifically addressed reports originating from a US-based channel, One America News Network (OAN).
“Claims being made on OAN, a US-based channel that Indian ports are being used by the US Navy are fake. We caution you against such baseless and fabricated comments,” MEAFactCh
eck posted on X.
Retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor, a former advisor to the US Secretary of Defense, during an interview on OAN had asserted that US naval forces were relying on Indian ports for docking, resupply, and logistical support, potentially in connection with operations against Iran, due to damage or vulnerabilities to US bases and harbour facilities in the Gulf region. He described the situation as “less than ideal” for the US Navy.
Earlier, India had expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia following coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint, avoid further escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians. The MEA further reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable paths to de-escalation, emphasising the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. Indian missions across the Gulf region have also issued advisories to Indian nationals, urging them to remain vigilant, follow local security guidance, and stay in contact with embassies.