India Denies Reports Claiming U.S. Using Its Ports for Strikes on Iran
NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday rejected reports claiming that U.S. naval forces were using Indian ports to launch attacks against Iran, calling the allegations “fake and false.”
The clarification came after a report by the U.S.-based television network One America News suggested that American warships were operating from Indian naval facilities, including ports in Mumbai and Kochi, as part of military actions targeting Iranian assets.
In a statement posted on social media through its official FactCheck account, the ministry strongly denied the claims.
“Claims being made on OAN, a US-based channel, that Indian ports are being used by the US Navy are fake and false. We caution you against such baseless and fabricated comments,” the ministry said.
The report by the network cited unnamed “military sources” and suggested that the alleged cooperation formed part of a broader U.S.-India strategic shift against Iran’s influence in the Persian Gulf.
The claims quickly circulated online, spreading across social media platforms such as X and Telegram and prompting reactions from users across South Asia and the Middle East.
India’s swift response comes as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East amid growing confrontation between the United States and Iran.
The government’s denial also reflects New Delhi’s broader foreign policy approach of maintaining relationships with multiple global powers. India is a key defense partner of the United States while also maintaining economic and strategic ties with Iran, including cooperation on the development of the Chabahar port.
Officials said the ministry’s response was intended to counter misinformation and prevent speculation about India’s role in the conflict.
The Ministry of External Affairs also urged the public to verify information before sharing it and called for responsible reporting during a period of heightened geopolitical tensions.
The statement reinforces India’s position that it is not involved in military operations related to the current conflict and continues to pursue a balanced diplomatic approach to global security issues. (Source: IANS)
