Govt debunks claims of US seeking Delhi's nod to use Indian territory for Iran strikes

The Centre on Saturday dismissed as ldquobaselessrdquo claims circulating on social media that the United States had sought Indiarsquos permission under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement LEMOA to use Indian territory for launching strikes on IranThe Ministry of External Affairs MEA urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing unverified information amid sensitive geopolitical developmentsMEA warns against misinformationIn an official statement the MEA said such claims have no factual basis and are misleadingldquoPlease stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social mediardquo the ministry said cautioning users against amplifying rumoursFake News AlertPlease stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media pictwittercomoKRc2kefAomdash MEA FactCheck MEAFactCheck March 21 2026No provision for offensive operations under LEMOAOfficials clarified that LEMOA signed between India and the United States in 2016 is strictly a logisticssharing agreement and does not allow offensive military operations from each otherrsquos territoryUnder the pact both countries can access each otherrsquos military facilities for support such as refuelling repair and suppliesHowever it does not permit the establishment of bases or the use of territory for combat missions and each request requires casebycase approvalRumours linked to recent geopolitical tensionsThe misinformation appears to have gained traction following reports of heightened US military activity in the region including strikes linked to the ongoing Iran conflictThe government has categorically denied any involvement stating that Indian ports airspace or facilities were not used for such operationsIndia reiterates neutral and independent stanceOfficials reiterated that India maintains an independent foreign policy and does not allow its territory to be used for offensive actions by other countriesThey also stressed that earlier instances of similar claims had been debunked as falseAdvisory to publicThe government has urged people to verify information before sharing it online especially on issues related to national security and international relationsAuthorities warned that spreading misinformation could create unnecessary panic and confusion during an already volatile global situationThe clarification comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia with India continuing to call for restraint and diplomatic solutionsUS deploys more troops to Mideast as Trump considers winding down military operationsMeanwhile US President Donald Trump said his administration was considering winding down military operations in the Middle East even as the United States announced it was sending more warships and Marines to the region and Iran threatened to attack tourist sites worldwide The mixed US messages came after another climb in oil prices plunged the US stock market and was followed by a Trump administration announcement that it will lift sanctions on Iranian oil loaded on ships a move aimed at wrangling soaring fuel pricesWith inputs from IANS