India Rebukes Chinese Media for Disinformation on Operation Sindoor, Highlights Pakistan’s False Claims
New Delhi, May 7, 2025 – Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated today following India’s Operation Sindoor, a series of precision missile strikes targeting nine terrorist hubs in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) and Pakistan. The operation, launched in response to a horrific terrorist attack on Indian tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, has sparked a war of words, with India publicly rebuking Chinese state media for spreading disinformation and exposing Pakistan’s attempts to disseminate false narratives.
The Indian Embassy in China took to social media platform X to directly address the Global Times, a Chinese state-affiliated media outlet, after it published reports using old images of crashed aircraft in connection with Operation Sindoor. Accusing the Global Times of disseminating "disinformation," the embassy urged the media outlet to verify its facts and cross-examine its sources before publishing such misleading information. The embassy highlighted the importance of responsible journalism, particularly in sensitive geopolitical situations.
India’s stern message to the Chinese media underscores concerns about the spread of misinformation and propaganda surrounding the operation. Several pro-Pakistan social media accounts have also circulated baseless claims, attempting to portray Pakistan as having retaliated against India with missile strikes. These claims, which allege strikes on Indian military installations, including Srinagar Airbase and an Army Brigade Headquarters, have been categorically denied by Indian authorities.
The Indian Embassy in China detailed the events leading up to Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the brutal Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including a Nepalese national, targeted a specific religious community, with terrorists forcing individuals to identify their faith before carrying out the killings. The embassy underscored the severity of the attack, calling it the deadliest terrorist incident in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan initiated a campaign of misinformation, with Pakistani media and government officials propagating false narratives about the operation’s impact. These claims, often amplified through social media, have been aimed at downplaying the effectiveness of the Indian strikes and creating a counter-narrative. This deliberate spread of false information further complicates an already tense situation and highlights the challenges of navigating information warfare in the modern age.
The Indian government has maintained that Operation Sindoor was a targeted and precise operation aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. The operation’s success, according to Indian sources, has dealt a significant blow to terrorist organizations operating in the region. India’s strong response reflects its resolve to combat terrorism and protect its citizens from such heinous acts. The current situation underscores the volatile nature of the India-Pakistan relationship and the ongoing challenges in addressing cross-border terrorism. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
