Could the US launch an attack from an Indian military base? Discussion escalates regarding the LEMOA agreement.

New Delhi. Amid rising tensions between Iran and the US following the sinking of the Iris Dena warship in the Indian Ocean, India’s name has also come into the spotlight. Some reports claimed that the US could rely on Indian military bases for military operations in the region. However, these claims have been officially dismissed. In fact, India and the US signed a significant defense agreement in 2016, under which both countries can use certain military facilities in each other. This has raised the question of whether the US could use an Indian military base for an attack under this agreement.

What is the LEMOA Agreement?
India and the US signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) on August 29, 2016, in Washington, DC. This agreement sets out the rules for the exchange of logistical support, supplies, and services between the armed forces of the two countries. It is considered India’s version of the US Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), which the US has already entered into with several other countries.

What facilities are available under the agreement?
Under the LEMOA, India and the US can use each other’s military facilities, such as naval bases, airfields, and other military installations, for logistical needs. This includes refueling, repair, maintenance, and the supply of essential military equipment. However, the agreement clearly states that prior permission will be required for each use of any facility, and this is entirely dependent on the decision of the respective government.

What activities are covered?
This agreement primarily covers four types of activities: port calls, joint military exercises, training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. Any other requirements require separate agreements between the two countries. These services are either paid in cash or compensated by providing equivalent logistical services.

What is included in Logistics Support?
The logistical support provided under this agreement includes food, water, accommodation, transportation, petroleum, oil and lubricants, clothing, communication services, medical assistance, storage, training facilities, spare parts, repair and maintenance, calibration services, and port services. However, it does not provide for the establishment of any permanent military base or for compelling any country to conduct military operations. This is a purely logistical cooperation agreement.

Why is the IRIS Dena incident important for India?
The sinking of the IRIS Dena vessel is considered significant for India because this area falls within India’s strategic maritime neighborhood. The area south of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is one of the major sea routes for global trade and energy supplies. Therefore, any military conflict in this region could impact maritime security and international shipping.

The ship participated in a naval exercise in India.
The IRIS Dena warship was reportedly in India to participate in the “Milan” naval exercise and was present in India from February 18 to 25. The exercise involved participation from navies of several countries, with over 80 warships deployed simultaneously. The event aimed to strengthen maritime cooperation and naval diplomacy. President Draupadi Murmu reviewed the naval parade held during the exercise.

India’s Policy Regarding the Attack
Defense experts say that the ship had come to participate in the exercise at India’s invitation, but had already left Indian territorial waters at the time of the incident. Therefore, India bears no direct responsibility for the incident. According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs, India maintains its clear policy that it will not allow any country to use its military bases to attack any third country.