US seeking nod to use Indian territory to attack Iran? Centre rejects viral claims, calls them 'baseless'
PTC News Desk: The Centre on Saturday firmly rejected claims circulating on social media that the United States had sought permission from India to use its territory to attack Iran, calling the assertions baseless.
The Ministry of External Affairs cautioned citizens against misinformation, stating in a post on X, "Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!"
The viral claim began with a journalist who suggested that the US was considering using western India under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) to support a military asset. The post also speculated about a possible offshore deployment near the Konkan coast, linking it to the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US.
However, officials have repeatedly said these claims are baseless and have urged people not to share unverified information, especially on sensitive geopolitical issues.
LEMOA, signed between India and the US in 2016, allows both countries to use each other’s military facilities for logistical support like refuelling and repairs. It does not allow either country to carry out offensive military operations from the other’s territory, a point that Indian authorities have consistently clarified.
The false narrative also gained tractions in the backdrop of recent developments including that US military strikes that reportedly sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka triggering speculations about India's involvement.
- With inputs from agencies
