MEA responds after US colonel’s claim about Indian ports
India on Thursday dismissed as “baseless” claims that the United States was using Indian ports to launch strikes against Iran, amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the allegation after former US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor made the claim during an interview with the US-based channel One America News Network.
During the interview, Macgregor suggested that the US Navy had been forced to rely on Indian ports after suffering losses in the ongoing conflict.
“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,” he said.
Responding to the remarks, India’s MEA categorically denied the claim, calling it unfounded and misleading.
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:
❌This claim is #FAKE… pic.twitter.com/nzcXCi7yT9
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 4, 2026
India calls for restraint
India reiterated its concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the Middle East following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.
The government urged all sides involved in the conflict to avoid escalation and protect civilians.
“India has expressed deep concern at the conflict in the Middle East and has urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians,” officials said.
Conflict intensifies
The region has witnessed a sharp escalation since US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran on Saturday, reportedly killing the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Tehran responded with missile attacks on Israel and American military bases across several Gulf countries.
According to reports, the conflict has already claimed more than 1,000 lives in Iran and around a dozen in Israel. At least six American troops have also been killed in the fighting.
Iranian warship sunk
Tensions escalated further earlier this week when an Iranian warship, the IRIS Dena, was sunk in the Indian Ocean after being struck by a torpedo fired from a US submarine.
The incident reportedly left 87 sailors dead. The vessel had been on what was described as a friendly visit to India at the time of the attack.
Military analysts noted that the strike marked the first instance since World War II that a US submarine had sunk a surface vessel in combat.
Leaders justify strikes
US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have defended the strikes, saying they were necessary to neutralise an imminent threat posed by Iran.
“If we didn’t do it first, they would have done it to Israel and give us a shot, if that was possible,” Trump said.
The conflict entered its sixth day on Thursday, with tensions continuing to rise and no immediate signs of de-escalation.
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