India 'rejects' reports of role in US strike on Iranian warship IRIS Dena
New Delhi, for its part, does not want to be seen as taking sides in the conflict involving its civilisational partner Iran and its strategic partners, Israel and the US
Top government sources on Friday categorically dismissed claims that India helped the US Navy with intelligence or the location of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, which was struck on March 4 off the coast of Sri Lanka.
The sources termed the claims “preposterous” and “baseless”, saying they must be rejected outright. They also clarified that no assistance was provided to US authorities or the US Navy in targeting the Iranian warship. A US submarine had struck the IRIS Dena on March 4.
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“The logistics and communication agreements do not kick in automatically and have not been invoked,” the sources said.
Separately, top sources told The Tribune that “speculative commentary” regarding defence agreements signed between India and the US in recent days had been noted. “We advise against such speculative reporting and commentary, especially on sensitive matters,” a source said.
New Delhi, for its part, does not want to be seen as taking sides in the conflict involving its civilisational partner Iran and its strategic partners, Israel and the US.
In 2016, India and the US signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which facilitates reciprocal, case-by-case logistical support such as refuelling, supplies and repairs during agreed activities like exercises and port calls.
However, the arrangement is not automatic and does not obligate access; each instance requires mutual consent, preserving strategic autonomy. LEMOA does not bind India to support US military operations or commit it to a military alliance.
The two countries also signed the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, enabling the transfer of high-end encrypted communication equipment from the US to India.
This agreement, too, is not automatic and does not mandate or guarantee immediate supply of technology or logistical support. COMCASA allows Indian forces to use secure encrypted data links and communication systems on US-supplied platforms.
According to the sources, the agreements between India and the US do not operate automatically, and any request, if made, is considered on a case-by-case basis.
