India’s Ministry of External Affairs has officially rejected reports claiming that the US Navy is using Indian ports for military operations against Iran. The government issued a formal rebuttal regarding allegations made on a US-based news channel. These claims suggested that naval facilities in Mumbai and Kochi were being utilized for combat support. The MEA clarified that such comments are baseless and do not reflect the ground reality of India’s maritime policy.
Official response to allegations from US media
The MEA fact-checking handle clarified that the claims made on One America News (OAN) are false and baseless. Former US official Douglas Macgregor had suggested that Indian naval facilities were part of a specific operation against Iranian assets. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated that India maintains its multi-alignment policy. This involves balancing ties with the United States while protecting strategic interests with Iran, including the management of the Chabahar Port.
The LEMOA pact and maritime security framework
The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement signed in 2016 does not provide automatic access to Indian ports for combat activities. It operates on a case-by-case basis for logistical support like refueling and repairs. Indian officials emphasized that the agreement does not obligate the country to provide access for active conflict support without specific mutual consent.
| Category | Current Status and Actions |
|---|---|
| Official Stance | Claims rejected as fake and fabricated |
| Expats Safety | Control room set up for 10 million Indians in Gulf |
| Trade Route | Vessels rerouted around Cape of Good Hope |
| Shipping Alert | 94% drop in traffic at Strait of Hormuz |
| Travel Status | Advisory issued for Indian citizens in Iran |
Impact on Indian expats and regional trade
The reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant disruptions for global shipping companies. For the millions of Indians working and living in the Gulf region, the MEA is monitoring the situation closely. Indian-flagged vessels have been advised to stay anchored or avoid West Asian ports. This follows a recent maritime escalation where a US submarine targeted an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Sri Lanka.
