The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing unverified information amid sensitive geopolitical developments
Pic/AFP
The Centre on Saturday dismissed as “baseless” claims circulating on social media that the United States had sought India’s permission under the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) to use Indian territory for launching strikes on Iran.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid sharing unverified information amid sensitive geopolitical developments.
MEA warns against misinformation
In an official statement, the MEA said such claims have no factual basis and are misleading.
“Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media,” the ministry said, cautioning users against amplifying rumours.
Fake News Alert!
— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) March 21, 2026
Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media! pic.twitter.com/oKRc2kefAo
No provision for offensive operations under LEMOA
Officials clarified that LEMOA, signed between India and the United States in 2016, is strictly a logistics-sharing agreement and does not allow offensive military operations from each other’s territory.
Under the pact, both countries can access each other’s military facilities for support such as refuelling, repair and supplies.
However, it does not permit the establishment of bases or the use of territory for combat missions, and each request requires case-by-case approval.
Rumours linked to recent geopolitical tensions
The misinformation appears to have gained traction following reports of heightened US military activity in the region, including strikes linked to the ongoing Iran conflict.
The government has categorically denied any involvement, stating that Indian ports, airspace or facilities were not used for such operations.
India reiterates neutral and independent stance
Officials reiterated that India maintains an independent foreign policy and does not allow its territory to be used for offensive actions by other countries.
They also stressed that earlier instances of similar claims had been debunked as false.
Advisory to public
The government has urged people to verify information before sharing it online, especially on issues related to national security and international relations.
Authorities warned that spreading misinformation could create unnecessary panic and confusion during an already volatile global situation.
The clarification comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with India continuing to call for restraint and diplomatic solutions.
US deploys more troops to Mideast as Trump considers 'winding down' military operations
Meanwhile, 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 prices.
(With inputs from IANS)
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