Is there an American army base in India? MEA breaks silence amid news of bombing in Iran:

News India Live, Digital Desk: For the past few days, a news has been spreading like wildfire on social media and international corridors that America is using Indian soil to attack Iran. It is being claimed that American military bases are present in India and the operation against Iran is being carried out from here. Now the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of the Government of India has taken a strong stance and clarified its position on this sensitive issue.

Reality of viral claims on social media

Several unconfirmed reports circulating on the internet indicated that India has provided the US access to its military air bases, which are being used for strategic operations near the border with Iran. These claims not only created a stir in diplomatic circles, but also raised questions on the old relations between India and Iran. However, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson has termed these claims as completely ‘factual’ and ‘misleading’.

Misuse and clarification of LEMOA agreement

These rumors are being fueled by citing the often discussed India-America ‘Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement’ (LEMOA). The Foreign Ministry clarified that this agreement does not at all mean that American military bases have been built in India. LEMOA only allows the armies of both countries to use each other’s facilities for repairs and supplies, and not to establish bases for waging war against either country.

India bluntly: ‘No foreign military base on our land’

The Government of India has once again clarified its position to the world and said that India’s sovereignty is paramount. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs reiterated in an official statement that no foreign country has any military base in India. India has always followed the policy of ‘Strategic Autonomy’ and does not allow its land to be used for war in any regional conflict.

Relations with Iran will not be affected

Experts believe that such fake news could be an attempt to create a rift in the strategic relations between India and Iran. Iran is an important partner of India in terms of Chabahar port and energy security. This timely clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs has put an end to all the speculations which were painting a false picture of India’s involvement in the Middle East unrest.