ISLAMABAD: As tensions escalate in Iran with widespread protests and USPresident Donald Trump openly considering military strikes includingtargeted airstrikes, reports have surfaced suggesting the United Statescould leverage the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) withIndia for logistical support in any prolonged confrontation or strikesagainst Iran. Indian defence analysts have voiced serious apprehensionsover this possibility, highlighting how the pact, combined with India’sgrowing defence ties to Israel, might entangle New Delhi in a conflictdetrimental to its interests. The situation creates suspense around whetherPrime Minister Narendra Modi will prioritize pleasing the US administrationor safeguard India’s multi-aligned foreign policy.
The LEMOA, signed in 2016, allows reciprocal access to military facilitiesfor refuelling, repairs, and supplies on a case-by-case basis withoutestablishing permanent bases. Recent enhancements in India-US defencecooperation, including a new 10-year framework announced in October 2025,have deepened interoperability through agreements like COMCASA and BECA.While primarily aimed at countering challenges in the Indo-Pacific,analysts warn that in a West Asia crisis, the US might seek Indianlogistical support near critical chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz,potentially drawing India into operations against Iran despite no formalalliance obligation.
Indian strategists emphasize the risks to strategic autonomy, noting thatunrestricted use of LEMOA could compromise India’s longstanding relationswith Iran. Key projects like the Chabahar port, vital for access toAfghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan, rely on stable ties withTehran. Heightened US pressure, including threats of 25% tariffs oncountries doing business with Iran, has already strained economicengagements, prompting New Delhi to issue travel advisories and monitor thesituation closely for its expatriates and students in Iran.
Defence observers point out India’s balancing act in the Middle East,maintaining strong defence pacts with Israel while preserving energy andconnectivity links with Iran. Any facilitation of US logistics for strikescould alienate Iran and invite retaliatory measures, affecting oil suppliesand regional stability. Reports indicate that amid ongoing unrest in Iran,where protests over economic issues have led to significant casualties, theUS has briefed options ranging from airstrikes to cyber operations, raisingfears that logistical needs could extend to partners like India.
Some analysts speculate that Prime Minister Modi might opt to accommodateUS requests to strengthen bilateral ties under the current administration,especially given recent tariff pressures and defence trade growth exceedingbillions. However, domestic and strategic circles argue against such amove, stressing that LEMOA was intended for mutual benefit in humanitarianor joint exercises, not for involvement in unrelated conflicts. Thecase-by-case approval mechanism provides India leverage to decline requeststhat conflict with national interests.
The evolving crisis tests the limits of India-US convergence. While thepartnership bolsters capabilities against common challenges, entanglementin West Asia could divert focus from Indo-Pacific priorities. India’sissuance of advisories against non-essential travel to Iran and closemonitoring of developments underscore caution. Experts note that historicalprecedents, like past refuelling incidents, show logistical access remainssensitive and subject to sovereign decisions.
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Broader implications include potential disruption to energy security andtrade routes. With Iran as a significant oil supplier and transit partnervia corridors like INSTC, escalation could impact India’s economic growth.Strategic commentators highlight that overt alignment risks complicatingrelations in the Muslim world and internal dynamics, urging measureddiplomacy over automatic compliance.
In this high-stakes environment, the debate over LEMOA’s potentialutilization underscores India’s foreign policy evolution. As US threatspersist alongside Iranian unrest, New Delhi’s choices will define itsglobal posture, balancing deepening Western partnerships with preservationof strategic independence and diverse regional alliances.
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