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The government clarified that the reports were misleading and urged people not to believe such unverified information. (Photo: Reuters)
As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, a controversial claim circulating in international media has triggered a strong response from the Indian government.
Reports suggested that the United States was using Indian ports and naval facilities to support military operations against Iran. However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly rejected these claims and described them as false.
The government clarified that the reports were misleading and urged people not to believe such unverified information.
The claim emerged during an interview with a US-based television channel, One America News Network. In the interview, former US Army Colonel Douglas MacGregor alleged that American forces had begun relying on Indian ports because their own facilities had been damaged.
"All of our bases have been destroyed. Our harbour installations are destroyed. We are actually having to fall back on India and Indian ports, which is less than ideal; that is what the navy says," Macgregor told One America News Network.
His remarks quickly spread online and triggered speculation about India’s possible involvement in the ongoing military operations in West Asia.
Soon after the statement gained attention, India’s Ministry of External Affairs issued a clarification dismissing the claim.
In a post shared on the social media platform X, the ministry said the reports were incorrect and misleading. Officials stressed that the suggestion that the United States was launching attacks on Iran from Indian ports had no basis in reality.
Fake News Alert!
— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) March 4, 2026
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. pic.twitter.com/xiFWnkoXBk
The government also flagged the claim through the PIB Fact Check platform.
Claim: On a US-based channel, One America News Network (@OANN), former U.S. Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor made a statement suggesting that the United States is using Indian naval bases to attack Iran, amidst the ongoing Iran-US conflict.#PIBFactCheck:
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 4, 2026
❌This claim is #FAKE… pic.twitter.com/nzcXCi7yT9
According to the official statement, the claim that US forces were using Indian naval facilities to attack Iran was “fake and false.” Authorities further warned people about spreading misinformation and described the allegations as "baseless and fabricated".
The controversy surfaced as the military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes against Iranian targets. Israel referred to the operation as “Operation Lion’s Roar,” while the United States named its part of the mission “Operation Epic Fury.”
On March 1, US President Donald Trump confirmed that the strikes had killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The development significantly escalated tensions across the region and triggered fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
India has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance since the conflict began. The government has expressed concern over the rapidly escalating situation and urged all parties to avoid further escalation.
Officials said India is closely monitoring the developments in the region, particularly because instability in West Asia could affect global energy markets and regional security.
New Delhi has called on all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy. India also stressed the importance of protecting civilians caught in the conflict and maintaining stability in the region.
As the war enters its sixth day, the situation remains tense, with military operations continuing and diplomatic pressure increasing worldwide to prevent further escalation.
