India Refutes Allegations of U.S. Airspace Use in Iran Strike
The Press Information Bureau's Fact Check unit has dismissed rumors suggesting that the United States used Indian airspace for its airstrikes on Iran during the operation on June 21, known as Operation Midnight Hammer. This operation, which targeted Iran's nuclear facilities, has been accompanied by a surge of misinformation online, including unfounded allegations of Indian involvement.
General Dan Caine, who serves as Chair of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed that the mission involved 125 aircraft executing diversion tactics over the Pacific Ocean. Pentagon briefings confirmed that B-2 bombers and their supporting aircraft departed from bases located within the continental United States.
Unverified reports on social media had alleged that U.S. aircraft flew through Indian airspace, suggesting New Delhi provided "silent support" for the mission. Indian officials, however, have refuted this claim, noting that such a route is geographically impossible. Given that India does not share a border with Iran, any flight path would necessitate entering Pakistani airspace, a nation the U.S. avoids in sensitive military operations.
Analysts suggest that these false claims might stem from misinformation campaigns linked to regional conflicts. A senior geopolitical analyst commented that it seems to be an attempt to needlessly involve India in a complex situation.
India's airspace is organized into four Flight Information Regions: Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. None of these regions were involved in or notified about any such aircraft movements.
The PIB urges the public to stay alert and refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Although the government has not yet taken action against those spreading the misinformation, there are increasing calls for accountability from experts in cyber and national security.
As there has been no official response from Tehran concerning the disproven allegation, India remains vigilant in observing regional events, emphasizing the importance of verified communication and maintaining geopolitical stability.
