Armed Forces Diverting Resources To Fight Misinformation Is a Matter of Concern

Speaking on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore from May 30-June 1, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan highlighted the significant challenge posed by misinformation during Operation Sindoor. He revealed that approximately 15% of the armed forces’ time was wasted in tackling false narratives.

“Combating fake news was a constant effort. Our communication strategy was deliberate; we chose to be measured, not reactive, because misinformation can quickly distort public perception during high-stakes operations,” General Chauhan warned.

This is a matter of grave concern when a nation’s armed forces, engaged in active warfare, are forced to divert their focus and resources to counter disruptions caused by irresponsible actors  – including many from within the country. Such distractions not only strain military capacity but also risk undermining strategic operations. In critical moments, this can alter the course of the conflict, leading to unwanted outcomes.

In war, every part of society, especially the media, plays a vital role. Beyond reporting, the media shapes perception, boosts morale, and influences outcomes.

When an official no less than the CDS reveals that 15% of the armed forces’ time was wasted countering false narratives, it signals a grave failure of responsibility among significant segments of the Indian media.

This alarming statistic, reflecting the aftermath of events like the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, reminds us of the reckless spread of misinformation by media outlets in the most brazen manner.

For example, Republic TV aired a satirical video of Indian actor/comedian Anil Singh, falsely claiming he was a Pakistani citizen commenting on Operation Sindoor. This was debunked by fact-checkers, with no apology issued by the channel. 

Also read: Three Things the CDS Interviews in Singapore Tell Us

The channel’s coverage was criticised for exaggerating India’s actions, reporting extensive damage in Pakistan and high terrorist casualties without independent verification.

Opposition leaders like Pawan Khera questioned these claims, noting the lack of clarity on the Pahalgam attackers’ fate.

Similarly, India Today TV aired a “special report” on Operation Sindoor using AI-generated visuals, claiming that over 100 terrorists were eliminated. Critics contended that the speculative visuals and lack of primary evidence sensationalised the operation and fuelled media hysteria.

A fake CNN-branded infographic about Indian losses in Operation Sindoor, presumably of Pakistani provenance, was circulated and amplified by some outlets before being debunked by the PIB, highlighting a pattern of unverified content propagation.

Times Now Navbharat aired a "breaking news" segment where the anchor fervently proclaimed that the Indian army had crossed an unspecified border into Pakistan, with another anchor forcefully striking the desk. A panelist, identified as "Major Arya", recklessly urged the Indian Navy to escalate the conflict, proposing a barrage of a dozen Brahmos missiles from INS Vikrant to set fire to Karachi port.

The anchor asserted that Pakistan’s map would be redrawn overnight, warning Pakistanis to stay awake as a "dance of death" loomed over them. The anchor further mocked Pakistani children, suggesting they practice drawing maps as Pakistan’s borders would shift. Another panelist, identified as "Meera," confidently claimed that "our Lahore, once Ranjit Singh’s, will soon be returned to us."

Some other channels echoed social media rumours that India had targeted Pakistan’s nuclear facilities – claims the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) later debunked, confirming there were no radiation leaks. This was part of a broader wave of sensational reporting.

Days after the CDS admitted that an unspecified number of Indian fighter jets were lost during hostilities with Pakistan, NDTV, citing unnamed sources, reported on June 4 that the Indian Air Force had destroyed nine Pakistani aircraft.

These reportedly included six Pakistan Air Force fighter jets, two high-value surveillance planes, over ten armed drones, and a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. However, no official confirmation was provided to support these claims.

Justin Bronk, a Senior Research Fellow for Airpower and Technology in the Military Sciences team at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London and Editor of the RUSI Defence Systems online journal, offered a cautionary perspective on the current information vacuum about the India-Pakistan aerial clashes. 

“The simple fact is that reliable information about the engagements themselves is scarce, and so even in the classified space there are still more questions than answers in most countries," he noted, adding that detailed judgments about technical system performance are premature. 

Bronk’s assessment highlights the danger of rushing to conclusions in the absence of verified data – an issue that has become increasingly evident in the conflicting narratives surrounding Operation Sindoor.

The Washington Post in a detailed analysis argued that India's media landscape was flooded with falsehoods. The report cited Nirupama Rao, India’s former foreign secretary, who noted that as tensions rose night after night, very few officials came forward to clarify the situation. This void, she said, was filled by TV news channels promoting "hypernationalism" and "abnormal triumphalism."

A piece carried in the New York Times last month too shed light on the troubling role of Indian media in amplifying falsehoods during a critical period, raising important questions about the future of journalism in the country.

The credibility of the country's journalism is now under global scrutiny. Such reckless reporting doesn't just mislead people, it shames India globally, exposing a media landscape where truth loses to sensationalism and jingoism.

The Indian government’s role in countering misinformation during crises like Operation Sindoor has been notably lacking. Instead of promoting restraint and factual clarity, political parties – especially those in power – have often exploited such tragic moments for political gain, even as lives are lost. 

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks of transparency and the value of critical engagement in a healthy democracy, the treatment of independent media tells a different story. 

Media platforms that provide alternative perspectives or challenge mainstream narratives have encountered significant institutional pushback under the Modi government.

On the contrary, mainstream media channels, heavily aligned with ruling party narratives, are rarely held accountable. Driven by the pursuit of TRPs and political favour, they frequently amplify unverified claims, fuelling public hysteria rather.

General Chauhan’s remark in this context is telling. At first glance, it reflects a deep sense of frustration within the military ranks – an institution that cannot afford distractions in moments of national security crisis.

This admission should serve as a wake-up call. The disinformation surrounding Operation Sindoor highlights the urgent need to insulate military operations from the noise of misinformation. 

Unless addressed, such internal disruptions risk compromising operational focus, undermining morale and a repeat of the confusion witnessed during this episode. When international media documents these failures, it stains India's reputation as a responsible democracy. Without course correction, this collapse of media integrity may soon become irreversible.

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