Indian Ministry Rejects Viral Claim of US Attack Plans on Iran

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong denial regarding a viral social media post that claimed the United States sought permission from India to conduct military operations against Iran. The clarification was provided through the MEA's official fact-check account on the social media platform X.

The false narrative originated from a journalist's assertion that the US was considering using western India as a base for military activities under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA). This claim included speculative statements about possible offshore deployments near the Konkan coast, linking these activities to ongoing tensions between Iran and the US.

In response, the MEA categorically refuted the allegations. The ministry urged the public to remain vigilant against such misleading information, emphasising in a statement, "Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!"

The problematic post stated, "Breaking News: The US has asked permission from India to support a military asset that will be used to bomb Iran from Western India. In bureaucratic terms, it means an interpretation of the LEMOA." The author further claimed that due to the size of military vessels, particularly aircraft carriers, there were limitations over where they could dock.

For context, the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement is a bilateral logistics agreement established in 2016 between India and the United States. This agreement permits the armed forces of both nations to use each other's military facilities for purposes such as refuelling, supply support, and repairs, on a reimbursable basis. However, it explicitly prohibits the basing of troops or automatic military actions from each other's territories, as each case requires specific approval.

Such arrangements for military operations often rely on formal agreements and the consent of the host nation. For example, during the Gulf War, the US operated from bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, and utilised Turkey's Incirlik Air Base during the Iraq War. The utilisation of another country's territory for military purposes depends on numerous factors, including strategic alignment and legal agreements with designated operational limitations.

In conclusion, the MEA's rebuttal underscores the importance of discerning credible information from false narratives in the digital age, especially concerning sensitive international relations and military activities.