India Denounces Pakistani Disinformation Campaign Targeting Armed Forces Officers
Jammu, India – The Indian Army has vehemently denounced a coordinated disinformation campaign orchestrated by Pakistani media outlets and proxy social media accounts, alleging that the campaign aims to discredit senior Indian Armed Forces officers following India’s firm response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The Ministry of Defence asserts that these fabricated narratives are a desperate attempt by Islamabad to undermine India’s resolve and sow discord within its military ranks. The disinformation campaign specifically targeted several high-ranking officers with false claims regarding their careers and actions.
The disinformation campaign, which emerged in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, targeted several senior officers, including Lieutenant General D.S. Rana, Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Pakistani media outlets falsely reported that Lt. Gen. Rana had been dismissed and exiled due to alleged operational failures related to the attack. However, the Indian Army clarified that Lt. Gen. Rana has, in fact, been promoted to the rank of Commander-in-Chief in situ and is slated to assume command of the prestigious Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) on June 1, 2025.
The campaign also spread false claims regarding Lieutenant General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, insinuating that he was removed from his position in the Northern Command due to security lapses connected to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian Army refuted these allegations, stating that Lt. Gen. Suchindra Kumar retired honorably on April 30, 2025, after a distinguished career spanning nearly four decades. The change of command, the Army confirmed, had been pre-planned and was in no way related to the Pahalgam incident.
Furthermore, the disinformation campaign targeted Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, the former Vice Chief of the Air Staff, with baseless accusations that he was dismissed for refusing to engage in a war with Pakistan. The Indian Air Force categorically denied these claims, confirming that Air Marshal Dharkar completed his full tenure and retired with a ceremonial guard-of-honor on April 30, 2025. His successor, Air Marshal Tiwari, assumed the role of Vice Chief of the Air Staff as part of a routine succession plan.
The Indian Ministry of Defence highlighted the pattern in these fabricated stories, noting that they consistently emerge after India responds to cross-border terrorism. The narratives, the Ministry stated, are designed to sow doubt about India’s military preparedness and create internal discord. The Ministry emphasized that the disinformation campaign specifically targeted commanders responsible for intelligence, Northern theatre operations, and air-power employment to maximize its disruptive potential.
The Indian government has taken swift action to counter the spread of these false narratives. The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, the Ministry of Defence, and various independent media outlets have issued clarifications and rebuttals, effectively preventing the disinformation from gaining traction within India. Furthermore, the government has blocked several Pakistan-origin social media channels and accounts that disseminated doctored content, acting in accordance with the Information Technology Rules 2021.
The Indian Armed Forces have reiterated their unwavering commitment to their mission and emphasized the seamless transition of senior leadership according to established protocols. The disinformation campaign, they asserted, will not deter their resolve to combat cross-border terrorism. The Indian government has condemned the disinformation campaign as a desperate attempt by Pakistan to undermine India’s resolve and sow discord within its military ranks. India’s swift and decisive response in debunking these false narratives, coupled with the blocking of malicious online accounts, demonstrates its commitment to combating disinformation and safeguarding its national security. The armed forces have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to their duties and have stated that they will not be deterred by such propaganda.
