India denies U.S. media claims of port use in Iran operations, stressing neutrality and citizen safety.

India has rejected claims by U.S. media, including OAN, that its ports were used by the U.S. Navy during operations against Iran, calling the reports “fake and false.” The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized India’s commitment to strategic autonomy and neutrality in the Middle East conflict, while stressing its focus on protecting nearly one crore Indian nationals in the Gulf. The denial comes amid unverified reports of a U.S. submarine strike near Sri Lanka involving an Iranian warship linked to Indian military exercises, though India has not confirmed the incident. The U.S. has not responded formally.