Amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs has dismissed a viral claim circulating on social media that alleged the United States had requested India’s permission to use its territory for launching military strikes against Iran.
In a public statement posted on X, the ministry categorically termed the claim “fake and fabricated,” warning users against falling for unverified and misleading content online. “Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media!” the ministry said.
The misinformation stemmed from a widely circulated graphic claiming that the US had sought approval from India to deploy military assets from “Western India” to carry out bombing operations in Iran. The post also loosely referenced the LEMOA, suggesting it could be used to justify such a move.
Officials clarified that no such request has been made and no such arrangement exists under current agreements. The claim, they said, was entirely baseless and aimed at misleading the public.
Reports note that while India and the US share defence agreements like LEMOA, these are strictly logistical in nature and do not permit offensive military operations from Indian soil against third countries.
Fake News Alert!
Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media! pic.twitter.com/oKRc2kefAo
— MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) March 21, 2026
India has consistently maintained a balanced and independent foreign policy, particularly in sensitive regions like West Asia, where it has strategic ties with multiple countries, including both the United States and Iran.
The emergence of such claims comes at a time when tensions in West Asia remain high, making the information ecosystem particularly vulnerable to misinformation and propaganda.
Government officials stressed the importance of verifying sources before sharing sensitive geopolitical claims, especially those that could impact diplomatic relations or create unnecessary panic.
In a separate briefing, MEA officials also confirmed that six Indian nationals have lost their lives in “various incidents” abroad, while one person remains missing.
Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) at the MEA, stated that one of the deaths occurred in Riyadh following an attack on March 18. “We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Mission in Riyadh is in touch with the family and coordinating for the return of the mortal remains,” he said.
As misinformation continues to circulate rapidly on digital platforms, the government has reiterated its call for public caution. Officials emphasised that false narratives, especially those involving international military actions, can have serious consequences if left unchecked.
The MEA’s swift clarification underscores the importance of relying on verified sources and official communication in an era increasingly shaped by viral content and information warfare.
