India Denounces Pakistani Disinformation Campaign Targeting Armed Forces Amidst Heightened Border Tensions
New Delhi – In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22nd, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, primarily tourists, tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically. As India contemplates its response to the horrific incident, a wave of disinformation emanating from Pakistani media outlets and affiliated social media accounts has targeted senior Indian armed forces officers. India’s Ministry of Defence has condemned this campaign as a desperate attempt by Islamabad to deflect attention from its complicity in the attack.
The disinformation campaign, according to Indian defence officials, seeks to discredit key figures within the Indian military hierarchy through false narratives surrounding their careers and alleged failures. One such target is Lieutenant General D.S. Rana, Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), who has been falsely reported by Pakistani media as being "sacked" and exiled to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to alleged operational lapses related to the Pahalgam attack. The Indian government has categorically refuted these claims, clarifying that Lt. Gen. Rana has, in fact, been promoted to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, signifying an elevation within the same appointment as DG DIA.
Another victim of this disinformation campaign is Lieutenant General M.V. Suchindra Kumar, whose retirement on April 30th after four decades of distinguished service has been twisted by Pakistani social media handles into a forced removal due to alleged security failures connected to the Pahalgam attack. Indian officials have emphasized Lt. Gen. Kumar’s honorable retirement as a planned event marking the culmination of a long and successful military career.
The disinformation campaign also extended to the Indian Air Force, targeting Air Marshal S.P. Dharkar, the former Vice Chief of the Air Staff. False reports circulated by Pakistani social media accounts claimed that Air Marshal Dharkar was dismissed for refusing to engage in military action against Pakistan. The Indian government has clarified that Air Marshal Dharkar completed his full term and retired with full honors on April 30, 2025, receiving a ceremonial guard of honor and paying tribute at the National War Memorial.
The Indian Ministry of Defence views this coordinated disinformation effort as a recurring pattern by Pakistan to disseminate fabricated narratives whenever faced with the prospect of decisive Indian action. This latest campaign aims to sow discord within the Indian military ranks and undermine public trust in the country’s defence establishment. India has denounced these tactics as desperate attempts to distract from the serious questions surrounding Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack.
In response to the escalating disinformation campaign and other hostile actions, India has taken decisive steps against Pakistan. Several Pakistani media websites and YouTube channels known for propagating anti-India content have been blocked. Additionally, social media accounts of numerous Pakistan-based celebrities promoting similar narratives have been suspended. These measures are part of a broader effort by India to counter the spread of misinformation and propaganda that threaten regional stability and peace.
The Pahalgam attack has significantly strained relations between India and Pakistan, pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbors closer to the brink of conflict. India has accused Pakistan of harboring and supporting the perpetrators of the attack, leading to a series of retaliatory measures. These include the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, a vital agreement governing water sharing between the two countries, and the downgrading of diplomatic ties. Furthermore, India has suspended all bilateral trade with Pakistan, imposing significant economic pressure on its neighbor. The situation remains tense, with international concerns mounting over the potential for further escalation and the devastating consequences it could entail. India’s resolve to hold the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack accountable and counter Pakistan’s disinformation campaign remains unwavering.