A recent 48-page investigative report by the “Fake News Watchdog” sheds light on the spread of misinformation by Indian media during the India-Pakistan conflict from May 7 to 10.

The report highlights attempts at public manipulation and the failed efforts to gain a military advantage through organized fake news.

The investigation details how Indian media, operating under government support, weaponized fake news to damage Pakistan both on the battlefield and in the public perception.

The report notes that a systematic campaign showcased devastation in Pakistan on Indian social media, directly linked to the Modi government. It also revealed that Israeli Iron Dome footage and outdated clips from 2021 were misrepresented as part of India’s defense capabilities.

In particular, India Today, was criticized for misleading the public by portraying animated missile attacks as real incidents.

The report further mentions the airing of a deepfake video of the Pakistani Prime Minister, which falsely suggested he was admitting to a military defeat. In a press briefing, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs attempted to connect footage from Iraq in 2007 to the Pulwama incident.

Indian channels repeatedly broadcast false breaking news about the arrest of the Pakistani Army Chief, the incursion of Indian troops into Pakistan, and attacks on Islamabad.

False reports of two Pakistani Air Force planes crashing in Srinagar, the destruction of JF-17 and F-16 aircraft, and the capture of a Pakistani pilot were also highlighted. Outlets like Zee News and India Today were prominently involved in this disinformation campaign.

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The report also pointed to fake AI-generated videos showing American and Israeli planes landing in Jaipur as part of the propaganda effort. Misinformation regarding the capture of Indian and Pakistani pilots circulated widely on social media.

Claims by the Indian Defense Minister that 100 civilians were killed in Pakistan were debunked, and fake screenshots attributing false war statistics to global media were widely shared.

Following the ceasefire, the Indian media faced significant global backlash, leading to a major loss of credibility.