‘Baseless And False’: MEA Debunks Viral Post On Indian Ships Blocked By Iran

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 10:56 IST

The MEA alerted about false claims on social media that Iran denied passage to Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Amid the rumours spreading in the backdrop of the West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday issued an alert, asking to be aware of the false and baseless claims on social media platforms.

In a post on X, MEA Fact Check issued a warning to users sharing a viral post, saying, “Fake News Alert!"

It further urged people to stay cautious while consuming information online, adding, “Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!"

The viral posts had alleged that Iran had denied passage to Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz and that several vessels were stranded. The claims also suggested that the situation could impact India’s energy supplies.

“India Had Seized Three Iranian Oil Tankers in February at That Time When It Was Trying to Strike a Major Trade Deal with the United States. India Had Detained Them on the Fabricated Charges of “Concealing Identity." But Tehran Has Now Made It Clear That Until Iran’s These Three Tankers Are Returned with Honor, the Strait of Hormuz Will Remain a “No-Go Area" for Indian Ships," one of the posts alleged.

“According to the Global News Agency ‘Reuters,’ 22 Indian Naval Ships Are Currently Stranded in the Warm Waters of the Strait of Hormuz, Carrying 611 Indian Citizens. Six of These Ships Are Loaded with Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). India Imports 90 Percent of Its Required LPG from Gulf Countries, and Due to This Restriction by Iran, There Is a Fear of Severe Shortages of Domestic Gas in India, Which Has Forced the Modi Government to Its Knees," a second post said.

However, the government has clarified that these claims are not true and have no factual basis. The fact-check post included screenshots of the misleading content, clearly marked as “FAKE".

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