Govt rubbishes US demand for India’s territory for strikes

March 21, 2026

New Delhi on Saturday firmly debunked widespread social media rumours claiming that the United States had approached India to use Indian territory for offensive military operations against Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) characterised these reports as “false and baseless”, urging citizens not to spread unverified information on sensitive foreign policy matters.

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.

— Sujan Dutta (@reportersujan) March 20, 2026

Officials emphasised that such unfounded claims could distort public understanding of ongoing global events, particularly in the context of the U.S.–Iran unrest and related geopolitical tensions. The MEA took the unusual step of publicly addressing the matter to reassure both domestic and international audiences about India’s stance.

Clarifying India–US defence agreements

At the centre of the misinformation are speculative interpretations of defence cooperation between India and the United States, particularly under old defence logistics agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), signed in 2016. Under LEMOA, both nations can access each other’s military facilities but solely for logistical support such as refuelling or maintenance, and not for offensive operations.

MEA spokespeople reiterated that India’s defence agreements with the United States do not and cannot be used to authorise foreign powers to launch military strikes from Indian soil or airspace. They stressed that India’s strategic autonomy and sovereign control over its territory remain intact.

 Social media flap fuels confusion

The misinformation appears to have originated from online posts and messaging groups speculating about America’s military needs amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. Some of these claims suggested that the U.S. sought Delhi’s permission to allow attacks on Iranian targets. Government officials described these narratives as entirely fabricated and lacking any credible evidence or official communication.

The MEA’s warning reflects growing concerns over misinformation surrounding international relations, as rumours can easily gain traction in the absence of verified reporting. Analysts note that in times of heightened geopolitical stress, public anxiety and speculation often lead to rapid spread of unverified content online.

 Context of US–Iran tensions

While the Indian government pushed back against the false claims, the broader backdrop involves intense US–Iran tensions in the Middle East. In recent weeks, American and allied forces have conducted strikes on Iranian targets, including nuclear and military sites sparking heated international debate about regional stability and global security.

Although India maintains strong defence cooperation with multiple global powers, its strategic posture traditionally emphasises non‑alignment and diplomatic solutions, particularly in conflict zones outside its immediate region. New Delhi has repeatedly affirmed its preference for dialogue and de‑escalation.

 India’s diplomatic and strategic balance

India’s diplomatic relations span across the United States, Iran and other Middle Eastern nations, making its neutral stand on international conflicts a matter of careful consideration. Officials have underscored that India upholds sovereignty, peaceful resolution of disputes, and international law in all foreign policy engagements.

By publicly countering the misinformation, the government aimed to prevent misunderstandings about India’s role or lack thereof in any prospective military operations involving foreign powers on its soil.