Pakistan’s ISI Deploys Global Influencers in Propaganda Campaign Against India

Following the embarrassment of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has intensified efforts to wage a perception battle against India through a sophisticated propaganda campaign orchestrated by its intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Intelligence sources reveal that a specialized ISI cell is actively recruiting international influencers to create misleading content about India. These operations have evolved after Indian authorities arrested several Indian content creators, including Jyoti Malhotra, in connection with the Pahalgam attack.

The ISI has now shifted its focus to foreign nationals who enter India on tourist visas and produce deceptive videos designed to tarnish India’s global image. These influencers deliberately stay in substandard accommodations and portray them as representative of India’s general living conditions. They also document themselves consuming food meant for underprivileged populations, falsely suggesting such meals are standard fare for average Indians.

“The pattern is quite deliberate and calculated,” said a senior intelligence official who requested anonymity. “These individuals are carefully briefed on narrative points that align with Pakistani interests before they even arrive in India.”

Of particular concern are videos shot in Jammu and Kashmir, where these influencers intentionally refer to the region as “Indian occupied Kashmir” – terminology consistently used by Pakistan despite India’s firm position that Kashmir is an integral part of its territory.

Indian security agencies tracking these activities note that this represents a tactical evolution in Pakistan’s information warfare. Initially, the ISI recruited Indian influencers who were invited to Pakistan, financially compensated, and instructed to present positive portrayals of Pakistan while subtly undermining India.

The geopolitical context for this campaign stems from Pakistan’s recent challenges. The country has faced international criticism for its deteriorating infrastructure, economic instability, and scrutiny from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Military setbacks during Operation Sindoor and ongoing conflicts at the Afghan border, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan have further damaged Pakistan’s reputation.

“This is a two-pronged approach,” explained a regional security analyst. “They’re attempting to improve Pakistan’s image internationally while simultaneously degrading India’s standing through these foreign voices, which are perceived as more credible than state-sponsored media.”

The content created by these foreign influencers circulates widely within Pakistan itself, apparently to convince Pakistani citizens that neighboring countries face similar or worse challenges, potentially deflecting domestic criticism of the government’s failings.

Investigations following the arrest of Jyoti Malhotra and associates revealed the Pakistan High Commission’s involvement in this operation. The diplomatic mission reportedly facilitates visa approvals for these influencers to ensure seamless travel between the countries.

Indian intelligence agencies are currently investigating whether the foreign influencers maintain direct contact with the Pakistani High Commission or receive instructions directly from Islamabad. Authorities are working to identify these individuals and monitor their activities while in India.

The operation represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s disinformation strategy, moving from traditional media manipulation to leveraging the perceived authenticity and wide reach of social media personalities with international audiences.

As digital platforms continue to shape global perceptions, security experts warn that such influence operations present a growing challenge to national security frameworks designed for more conventional threats.