Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East following reported US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, India has firmly denied claims circulating on social media that the United States utilized Indian airspace for the operation. The Indian government, through the Press Information Bureau (PIB), has officially debunked these assertions, labeling them as "fake" and "entirely fabricated." This denial comes in response to viral posts suggesting that the purported 'Operation Midnight Hammer' saw US aircraft traversing Indian airspace to strike Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday night.
The denial from New Delhi arrives against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical sensitivity in the region. Reports of the US military action against Iranian nuclear facilities have triggered widespread reactions from world leaders and prompted concerns about escalating conflict. India, which maintains strategic interests in the region, including the Chabahar port project, and relies heavily on Gulf oil, has called for immediate de-escalation and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke with Iranian President Pezeshkian, reiterating India's stance on peaceful resolution and regional stability. Union Minister Piyush Goyal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that war is not a solution and that dialogue and diplomacy are the appropriate means for resolving issues.
While India has explicitly denied the use of its airspace by the US military, some reports continue to suggest otherwise. These reports cite defense sources and flight path simulations, alleging that US B-2 Spirit stealth bombers flew from Guam through Indian airspace to reach their targets in Iran. However, these claims remain unconfirmed by official sources in India.
The situation is further complicated by conflicting information and accusations of misinformation campaigns. Pakistani authorities have warned of coordinated efforts to discredit Pakistan by falsely claiming that US bombers used Pakistani airspace for the strikes.
Amidst these tensions, defense experts have suggested that India, given its friendly relations with both Iran and Israel, could play a crucial role in de-escalating the conflict. They believe that Prime Minister Modi's intervention could potentially push for a peaceful resolution. However, the veracity of claims regarding the use of Indian airspace remains a key point of contention. The Indian government's firm denial seeks to distance itself from any perceived involvement in the US military action and maintain its neutral stance in the complex dynamics of the region.
