Overview
- The Ministry of External Affairs issued a “Fake News Alert” on X through its MEA FactCheck handle on March 21, calling the viral posts false and baseless.
- Officials clarified that the 2016 LEMOA permits refuelling, repair and supplies on a reimbursable basis, with no basing rights or authorization for combat operations and with requests handled case by case.
- New Delhi stated that Indian ports, airspace or facilities were not used for any operation targeting Iran.
- The government reiterated India’s independent foreign policy position and urged citizens to avoid sharing unverified claims.
- Reports linked the rumor’s spread to rising regional military activity, including an incident involving an Iranian vessel near Sri Lanka, and separate reports said the U.S. sought limited access to British bases.