India Rejects Claim US Using Indian Ports to Launch Strikes on Iran

India has strongly rejected allegations that the United States is using Indian ports to launch military strikes against Iran, describing the claims as false and misleading.

The clarification came after comments made by a former US Army officer during a television interview suggested that American naval forces were relying on Indian ports during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

Indian authorities quickly responded to the statement, issuing fact-checks to counter what they described as baseless claims circulating in public discussions and media platforms.

Claim Triggered by Former US Officer’s Statement

The controversy began after Douglas Macgregor, a former US Army colonel, made remarks during an interview on a US-based television channel.

During the discussion, Macgregor claimed that the United States was facing challenges with its military bases and was therefore relying on Indian ports for naval operations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The statement quickly gained attention online and triggered debate about India’s potential involvement in the escalating regional conflict.

Indian Government Dismisses the Allegation

The Indian government promptly rejected the claim.

The Press Information Bureau (PIB), which handles official fact-checking for the government, stated that the claim was completely false.

In its response, the PIB said that the suggestion that the US Navy was using Indian naval bases or ports to conduct attacks on Iran had no factual basis.

Similarly, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a warning against spreading unverified information and described the claim as fabricated.

Officials urged the public to avoid believing or sharing misleading reports about India’s involvement in military activities related to the conflict.

India Calls for De-Escalation in Middle East

While rejecting the claim, India has also expressed serious concern over the rapidly worsening security situation in the Middle East.

The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that India supports dialogue and diplomacy as the best path to resolve international conflicts.

Officials have called for restraint from all parties involved and urged countries to avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.

India had earlier expressed concern when the conflict intensified following coordinated strikes on Iran that triggered retaliatory attacks across the region.

Conflict Continues to Escalate

The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated rapidly since military operations were launched against Iran in late February.

Following the initial strikes, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and military installations linked to the United States.

The conflict has also expanded into nearby waters, including the Indian Ocean, where a US submarine torpedoed the Iranian warship IRIS Dena after it had earlier visited India during naval exercises.

The escalation has raised fears of a broader regional war that could disrupt global trade routes and energy supplies.

India Assists Citizens in the Region

Amid the escalating tensions, the Indian government has established a special control room in New Delhi to assist Indian nationals living or working in the Middle East.

The facility operates daily and provides emergency support for citizens who may require assistance due to the ongoing conflict.

Emergency contact details have also been issued for Indian diplomatic missions in several countries in the region, including Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel and the United Arab Emirates.

Authorities have urged Indian citizens in affected areas to stay in contact with local embassies and follow official advisories as the situation continues to evolve.