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AI-Driven Misinformation Campaign Targeting India Escalates Since Operation Sindoor
A comprehensive investigation by NewsMeter has uncovered a coordinated and sophisticated misinformation campaign using artificial intelligence to target India’s political leadership, military establishment, journalists, and civil society figures. This operation has shown marked escalation since May 7, following Operation Sindoor.
The investigation reveals these are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic disinformation ecosystem primarily amplified through X (formerly Twitter). While NewsMeter flagged 120 instances of AI-generated misinformation content in early 2025, a significant spike occurred between May and December, with recurring accounts building specific narratives that suggest the deliberate use of artificial intelligence as a tool for influence and psychological warfare.
Among the most concerning examples are fully AI-generated videos depicting Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah falsely apologizing for conflicts with Pakistan, fabricated images showing National Security Advisor Ajit Doval meeting with exiled Putin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky in London—an encounter that never occurred—and AI-generated content mocking journalists.
Analysis of the content reveals four primary categories of misinformation being distributed. Military defeat narratives attempt to undermine confidence in India’s defense capabilities by claiming Indian jets were shot down or airbases destroyed. These typically surge following legitimate defense news. Political betrayal content features manipulated videos showing senior officials like the Prime Minister or Defense Minister supposedly surrendering territory or apologizing to adversaries.
The campaign also pushes internal chaos claims through fake videos alleging persecution of activists like Sonam Wangchuk and minority oppression, apparently designed to polarize the electorate. Additionally, diplomatic isolation narratives falsely suggest India sought foreign assistance after Operation Sindoor or that Pakistan’s elections are more legitimate than India’s.
“The propaganda actors operating from outside India are spreading ‘believable’ fake news by tweaking real footage rather than creating everything synthetically,” a NewsMeter analyst explained. “An altered reality is more believable than pure fiction and spreads faster because people may not question what looks authentic.”
The investigation identified consistent targeting of figures with institutional authority and public trust. Political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, frequently appear in manipulated videos making fabricated statements. Military leaders like Army Chief Gen. Dwivedi and CDS Anil Chauhan are depicted criticizing government restraint during operations.
Journalists including Ravish Kumar, Palki Sharma, and Shiv Aroor have been featured in synthetic content allegedly reporting on fictitious events, while activists like Sonam Wangchuk are deep-faked to fuel internal unrest narratives.
Of the 32 misinformation cases examined after Operation Sindoor, 26 involved AI-manipulated videos where authentic footage was merged with synthetic audio using voice cloning and lip-syncing technology—a sophisticated approach that makes detection significantly more challenging than obviously synthetic content.
NewsMeter’s analysis of X accounts spreading this content revealed a geographically concentrated, network-driven operation with strong links to Pakistan. Many accounts either self-identify as Pakistan-based or display clear Pakistan-linked indicators, including Pakistani flags in profile images and consistent narrative alignment.
Two accounts—The Whistle Blower (@InsiderWB) and Abubakar Qassam (@abubakarqassam)—emerged as primary spreaders of AI-manipulated videos. Both frequently alter their displayed locations, appearing to be U.S.-based while previously listing South Asia locations. Notably, the Abubakar Qassam account shows a connection to the Pakistan App Store, indicating Pakistani origin.
Researchers note that many accounts employ VPNs to obscure their true locations, with X itself cautioning that displayed location information may not be accurate due to proxy use.
The investigation concludes that this represents a coordinated cross-border misinformation operation that intensified following Operation Sindoor, with AI being weaponized to exploit the credibility of India’s trusted figures. The recurring network of accounts consistently pushes the same narratives with strategically timed postings, demonstrating clear coordination rather than random misinformation sharing.
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9 Comments
It’s distressing to see how AI is being weaponized for propaganda purposes. Governments and social media platforms must work together to detect and remove these fake accounts and limit the spread of fabricated content.
This report highlights the urgent need for robust fact-checking and media verification processes, especially when it comes to video and audio content which can be easily manipulated using AI.
This is a troubling development in the ongoing information war between India and Pakistan. The use of AI to create fabricated content raises the stakes significantly. Increased digital literacy and vigilance will be key to countering these tactics.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific tactics and narratives being pushed by these Pakistan-linked accounts. Understanding their methods will be key to developing effective counter-measures.
While I’m not surprised to see Pakistan-linked accounts targeting India, the scale and sophistication of this AI-driven misinformation operation is alarming. Fact-checking and public awareness will be crucial to combat these deceptive tactics.
This is a disturbing report. The use of AI to create realistic-looking but false content is a major challenge. I hope the authorities can stay ahead of these evolving tactics to protect the integrity of public discourse.
This report highlights the urgent need for greater international cooperation and information sharing to combat cross-border disinformation campaigns. Coordinated action by governments, tech companies, and civil society will be essential.
While it’s not surprising to see Pakistan-linked actors engaging in propaganda campaigns, the sophistication of this AI-driven effort is worrying. Increased transparency and accountability for social media platforms will be crucial.
This is quite concerning. The use of AI to spread disinformation and propaganda is a serious threat to democracy and transparency. I hope authorities can effectively counter these coordinated influence campaigns.