In recent years, the world has witnessed a surge in disinformation campaigns orchestrated by various state and non-state actors. Among these, India, often regarded as the world’s largest democracy and an emerging global power, has also been implicated in spreading misleading information globally. While India presents itself as a beacon of truth and transparency, its covert dissemination of disinformation poses significant challenges to global stability, trust, and democratic values.

Disinformation campaigns aim to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and influence decision-making processes by spreading false or misleading information. These campaigns exploit digital platforms, social media networks, and traditional media to amplify their narratives and undermine adversaries. India’s engagement in such activities reflects a growing trend where governments leverage information warfare to advance their geopolitical interests.

India’s disinformation machinery operates through a combination of state-controlled agencies, political actors, and proxy organizations. The proliferation of social media platforms has provided fertile ground for disseminating propaganda and falsehoods, enabling India to reach global audiences with its narratives.

To achieve their objectives, these campaigns often target contentious issues such as regional conflicts, religious tensions, and geopolitical rivalries.

One of the focal points of India’s disinformation efforts is the region of Kashmir, a long-standing flashpoint between India and Pakistan. Following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, India intensified its disinformation campaign to justify its actions and suppress dissent. Indian authorities imposed strict internet censorship in the region, limiting access to information and stifling dissenting voices. Simultaneously, India launched a global propaganda campaign portraying its actions in Kashmir as a necessary measure to combat terrorism and promote development. Indian diplomats and influencers actively engaged with international media outlets and foreign governments to disseminate their narrative, downplaying human rights violations, and portraying the situation in Kashmir as normalcy returning to the region. However, independent reports from human rights organizations and journalists painted a starkly different picture, highlighting widespread abuses, arbitrary arrests, and the stifling of freedom of expression in Kashmir. These reports exposed India’s disinformation campaign and prompted international scrutiny of its regional actions.

Social media platforms have become battlegrounds for information warfare, and India has adeptly utilized these platforms to propagate its narratives and suppress dissenting voices. The proliferation of fake accounts, bots, and troll farms linked to Indian interests has been observed on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. These entities operate to amplify pro-India content, attacking critics, and spreading false information to manipulate public opinion.

Furthermore, coordinated disinformation campaigns have targeted journalists, activists, and opposition figures critical of the Indian government, employing tactics such as doxing, harassment, and defamation to silence dissent.

India’s disinformation campaign extends beyond its borders, targeting foreign audiences and influencing global perceptions. Indian diplomatic missions and cultural organizations actively promote the country’s image abroad, portraying it as a vibrant democracy and a reliable partner for economic and strategic cooperation. However, behind this facade lies a concerted effort to suppress dissenting voices, manipulate public opinion, and advance India’s geopolitical interests. Indian diaspora communities are crucial in amplifying the government’s narratives and countering criticism on international platforms. Through lobbying efforts, media engagements, and cultural exchanges, these communities project a positive image of India while downplaying or dismissing allegations of human rights abuses, religious intolerance, and political repression.

Addressing India’s disinformation campaign requires a multifaceted approach involving government regulation, media literacy initiatives, and international cooperation. National governments must enact legislation to hold perpetrators of disinformation accountable and safeguard democratic principles. Social media platforms must also intensify their efforts to combat fake accounts and misinformation and coordinate influence operations. Furthermore, civil society organizations are crucial in exposing falsehoods and promoting transparency. Independent media outlets, fact-checking organizations, and human rights watchdogs serve as watchdogs, holding governments accountable and providing accurate information to the public.

International organizations and foreign governments should also pressure India to uphold human rights standards and respect freedom of expression within its borders.

India’s global disinformation campaign represents a significant threat to truth, democracy, and stability. By weaponizing information and exploiting digital platforms, India seeks to shape global narratives, suppress dissent, and advance its geopolitical interests. However, the proliferation of misinformation undermines trust in institutions, fosters social divisions, and erodes democratic values. Addressing this challenge requires concerted efforts at the national, regional, and international levels to safeguard the integrity of information and defend democratic principles against manipulation and deceit. The world can only confront and counter the rising tide of disinformation propagated by India and other malign actors through collective action.