ISLAMABAD: Comments by a former US defence adviser have sparked debate about the role of India in American naval logistics as tensions with Iran escalate.
Douglas Macgregor, a former adviser to the US secretary of defence, claimed in a recent interview with One America News Network that the United States Navy is increasingly turning to Indian ports for docking and unloading operations due to security risks facing American bases in the Gulf.
His remarks have circulated widely on social media in South Asia, fuelling speculation that Washington could be shifting some of its military logistics away from traditional bases in the Persian Gulf as tensions rise with Iran.
However, India has rejected the claim. In a post on X, the Ministry of External Affairs India’s fact-check account said reports that Indian ports were being used by the US Navy were “baseless and fabricated”.
Officials note that defence cooperation between Washington and New Delhi — including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue — is primarily focused on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific rather than involvement in conflicts in the Middle East.
US naval vessels have previously visited Indian facilities for routine maintenance. Ships such as the USNS Charles Drew made port calls near Chennai in 2022 and 2023, while the USS Frank Cable docked there in August 2025. These visits were conducted under Master Ship Repair Agreements with Indian companies including Larsen & Toubro.
New Delhi has long emphasised “strategic autonomy” in its foreign policy, maintaining relations with multiple powers including the US, Russia and Iran. India also continues cooperation with Tehran on projects such as the Chabahar Port despite Western sanctions.
Indian authorities have not directly responded to Macgregor’s remarks, and analysts point out that routine port visits are different from establishing forward operating bases for military operations.
From a regional perspective, the discussion has drawn attention in Pakistan, which shares borders with both India and Iran and maintains close diplomatic ties with Tehran. Pakistani analysts say developments affecting regional alignments are being closely watched.
Experts also note that the US has been diversifying its logistics network to reduce risks in areas such as the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where disruptions to shipping have already affected global trade.
Despite such discussions, long-standing US military hubs in the region — including those in Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Oman and the United Arab Emirates — remain central to American operations in the Middle East.