New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs has strongly rejected reports claiming that the U.S. Navy is using Indian ports as operational bases for attacks against Iran, calling the allegations “false and fabricated.”
The clarification came amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. India’s official fact-check handle issued a statement on social media dismissing the claims and urging the public to rely on verified information.
The controversy began after a report aired by One America News Network (OAN), a U.S.-based conservative television channel. The report alleged that American warships were using Indian naval facilities—particularly ports in Mumbai and Kochi—to support military operations targeting Iranian assets.
According to the broadcast, unnamed “military sources” suggested the arrangement was part of a broader strategic cooperation between India and the United States aimed at countering Iranian influence in the Persian Gulf. The segment quickly spread across social media platforms such as X and Telegram, prompting speculation and reactions across South Asia and the Middle East.
India’s foreign ministry dismissed the claims outright.
“The allegations made in the report that the U.S. Navy is using Indian ports are fake and baseless,” the ministry said in its statement, warning people against sharing unverified information.
The response reflects India’s foreign policy approach of maintaining balanced relations with multiple global powers. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, New Delhi has pursued a “multi-alignment” strategy—strengthening defense ties with Washington while also maintaining economic and strategic cooperation with Iran.
Iran remains an important energy partner for India and a key collaborator in the development of the Chabahar Port, a strategic project aimed at improving trade connectivity with Central Asia.
Officials also urged citizens and media outlets to verify sources before sharing sensitive geopolitical claims, especially at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran remain high due to recent drone strikes and cyber confrontations in the region.
Analysts say India’s swift response highlights the government’s growing focus on combating misinformation online while preserving its position as an independent diplomatic actor in global affairs.