Bharat: In the hours following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, a wave of false claims appeared online—targeted, timed, and familiar in pattern. According to Indian officials, these were part of a coordinated effort by Pakistan-linked sources to spread confusion and undermine confidence in India’s defence preparedness.
The false claims followed a clear strategy. They were timed to coincide with India’s diplomatic and military response to the Pahalgam incident. The focus was on high-ranking officers—those leading intelligence, operations in the Northern sector, and air strategy.
These weren’t random posts. They were amplified by social media accounts with known links to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence. Many of these handles have been involved in past disinformation attempts related to the Balakot airstrikes, surgical operations, and the Rafale deal.
India moved fast. Fact-checks and official statements came from the Ministry of Defence, the Integrated Defence Staff, and several media outlets—shutting down the spread before it could take hold.
The government also took action on the platform front. Multiple accounts pushing doctored content were blocked under India’s IT Rules, 2021.
Meanwhile, military operations remain unaffected. The Armed Forces are fully prepared, and leadership changes are proceeding as planned.
Officials see this disinformation push as a sign of Pakistan’s growing frustration with India’s firm approach to cross-border terrorism. While attempts at misinformation are not new, India’s defence establishment continues to operate with transparency, professionalism, and focus.
Propaganda doesn’t change facts—and on the ground, India remains steady and mission-ready.