Fact-check by MEA dismisses viral claim that US Navy is using Indian ports during Iran tensions, calling the statement fake and misleading
New Delhi: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly rejected a claim circulating online that the United States Navy is using Indian ports during the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The claim spread widely on social media after comments made during a television interview on the US-based channel One America News Network (OAN). However, the Indian government quickly clarified that the statement is false and misleading.
The controversy began after retired US Army Colonel and former adviser to the US Secretary of Defense, Douglas Macgregor, spoke about the conflict during an appearance on OAN. His remarks suggested that the United States might be relying on Indian ports after suffering damage to its military bases and harbour facilities during the conflict.
After the video clip began spreading online, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded through its official fact-check account on the social media platform X and dismissed the claim.
Interview Sparks Claim
The issue started when Douglas Macgregor discussed the growing military tensions in West Asia during the OAN broadcast. While talking about the situation and the impact of the conflict on US military infrastructure, he claimed that American bases and harbour facilities had been destroyed.
During the interview, Macgregor said that the United States was having to fall back on India and Indian ports after losing access to its own installations. His statement suggested that US naval vessels might be using Indian maritime facilities for operational purposes.
Soon after the interview aired, short clips and screenshots began circulating widely on social media platforms. Several posts claimed that India had quietly allowed US naval forces to use its ports to support military operations connected to the conflict with Iran.
These posts quickly attracted attention and led to speculation that India might have become indirectly involved in the conflict.
MEA Issues Fake Alert
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded quickly after the claim started spreading online. The ministry’s fact-checking unit posted a clarification on X and clearly stated that the claim was false.
The post said: “Fake News Alert! 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.”
Also Read: US Submarine Sinks Iranian Warship in Indian Ocean, Video Released
Along with the statement, the government shared screenshots from the television broadcast that included the claim. Each image had a large “FAKE” stamp placed over it to clearly show that the information was incorrect.
By issuing this clarification, the ministry tried to stop the spread of misinformation related to India’s role in the conflict.
Rising West Asia Tensions
The viral claim appeared during a time of rising tensions in West Asia. Reports indicate that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has intensified in recent days, with missile strikes and military attacks reported in several areas.
The situation reportedly worsened after coordinated strikes by US and Israeli forces targeted Iranian facilities. Iran later responded with missile attacks against American and allied positions in the region.
These developments have raised global concerns because the conflict could affect stability in the Middle East and disrupt important international shipping routes.
Naval Incident Raises Attention
Around the same time US also shared about a major naval incident in the Indian Ocean. A US submarine reportedly fired a torpedo that sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka.
The attack reportedly caused heavy casualties among Iranian sailors and is considered a rare case in modern warfare where a submarine destroyed a surface warship.
The Iranian vessel had earlier participated in international naval events held in the region, including visits connected to India. Because the incident happened relatively close to Indian waters, some people began speculating about possible regional involvement.
Also Read: Strait of Hormuz Closed: Is This the Moment the US–Israel–Iran War Turned Global?
However, Indian authorities clearly stated that the country is not providing operational support to the United States Navy.
India Maintains Neutral Stand
India has maintained a careful diplomatic position regarding the conflict in West Asia. The country has strong strategic ties with the United States but also maintains diplomatic and economic relations with Iran.
Because of these relationships, India has avoided becoming directly involved in the conflict.
Instead, the government has called for restraint and urged all sides to reduce tensions and avoid further escalation. Officials have also expressed concern about civilian safety and the broader impact of the conflict on regional stability.
Government Issues Clarification
By posting the “Fake News Alert,” the Ministry of External Affairs aimed to stop the spread of speculation about India’s role in the conflict.
Officials emphasized that claims suggesting the United States Navy is using Indian ports are baseless and incorrect.
The government also reminded people to verify information before sharing it online, especially during sensitive international situations.
Claim Officially Debunked
The claim that the United States Navy is using Indian ports during the conflict with Iran came from remarks made by retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor during an interview on OAN.
The statement quickly spread on social media and led to speculation about India’s involvement in the conflict.
However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs firmly rejected the claim and described it as fake. Through its official fact-check account on X, the ministry clarified that the information is false and warned people against sharing fabricated claims.
The clarification makes it clear that India is not providing its ports for US naval operations and continues to maintain a neutral position during the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
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