India has firmly refuted claims that its airspace was used by US forces during Operation Midnight Hammer, a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21, 2025. The Press information bureau (PIB) labeled social media reports alleging U.S. B-2 stealth bombers traversed Indian airspace as “fake,” citing a Pentagon briefing by Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen.
Dan Caine, who confirmed the aircraft took a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean route. The controversy arose after unverified reports from regional outlets claimed U.S. bombers flew from Guam, over the Andaman Sea, and through central India to strike Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites. India’s swift denial underscores its delicate diplomatic balancing act, maintaining ties with both the U.S. and Iran while evacuating 1,000 nationals from Iran via Operation Sindhu.