India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has firmly denied allegations that the United States Navy is utilizing Indian ports amidst the ongoing conflict with Iran. On March 5, 2026, the MEA labeled these claims as ‘fake and false’ in a statement released on social media platform X.
The statement was in response to a segment aired by One America News Network, a far-right American cable news channel, where retired US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor asserted that the US Navy was relying on Indian ports due to disruptions in the Middle East. The MEA has cautioned against such ‘baseless and fabricated comments.’
This controversy follows a recent incident where a US submarine sank an Iranian frigate near Sri Lanka, escalating tensions in the region. The Iranian vessel, IRIS Dena, was part of a multinational exercise hosted by India prior to its sinking, which resulted in significant casualties.
Historically, India has maintained a neutral stance in Middle Eastern conflicts, balancing its diplomatic relations with both Western and regional powers. The current situation underscores the complexity of India’s foreign policy as it navigates its role in international affairs.
Looking forward, the MEA’s firm denial may help mitigate any diplomatic tensions with Iran and the US. However, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for India’s strategic partnerships in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 23rd, 2026
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