Claim
Viral posts claim that the United States has sought permission to use Indian territory to launch military operations against Iran.
Verdict: Fake
What’s the story?
Amid rising tensions in West Asia, a viral post on social media alleged that the United States was exploring the use of Indian territory and particularly western India or offshore areas near the Konkan coast—to launch attacks on Iran. The claim cited the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), suggesting it could be used to support such military operations.
What Factcheck India Found?
The Ministry of External Affairs has categorically denied these claims.
1. Official clarification
The Ministry of External Affairs issued a “Fake News Alert”, stating:
- No such request or development has taken place
- The viral claims are false and baseless
This is a direct and clear denial from the government.
2. Misinterpretation of LEMOA
The claim hinges on the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, but its scope is being misunderstood.
What LEMOA actually allows:
- Access to each other’s military facilities
- Refuelling, repairs, logistics support
- All on a case-by-case approval basis
What it does NOT allow:
- Launching military attacks from Indian territory
- Permanent basing of foreign troops
- Automatic operational access
Using it to justify offensive operations is incorrect.
3. No credible evidence
- No official confirmation from either India or the United States
- No reporting from credible international or defence sources
A move of this scale would have major diplomatic and military implications and would not go unreported.
Factcheck India Conclusion
There is no truth to claims that the United States plans to use Indian territory to attack Iran. The viral narrative is based on a misinterpretation of defence agreements and has been officially debunked by the Ministry of External Affairs.