India has dismissed recent assertions made by former US Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor, which suggested that US naval vessels are relying on Indian ports due to destruction of US military facilities. The remarks were made during an appearance on One America News Network (OAN), where Macgregor stated that the US Navy is falling back on India for harbor access amidst the ongoing conflict in Iran. This claim surfaced just days before the US military engaged in striking an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka.

The Indian Foreign Ministry responded vehemently to these allegations, describing the statements made on OAN as 'fake and false.' In a post on social media, the ministry warned against the spread of 'baseless and fabricated comments' regarding India's military interactions with the United States. This denial highlights India's attempts to maintain its sovereignty and reinforce its stance on non-alignment, particularly in sensitive geopolitical issues involving the US and Iran.

The timing of these statements is significant, as they not only come amidst ongoing tensions in the Persian Gulf but also following military actions by the US against Iranian assets. India's relationship with both the US and Iran is complex, as it navigates its strategic interests without alienating either party. The firm rejection of the OAN claims may also reflect India's desire to assert independent policymaking in defense matters and maintain its image as a reliable partner in the region.