China Media Reprimanded by India Over Fake News on ‘Operation Sindoor’
India has strongly rebuked the Chinese state-run media outlet Global Times for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding “Operation Sindoor,” a missile strike targeting terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to Indian authorities, Global Times attempted to mislead the public by using old images from previous air crashes in its coverage.
Responding via its official 'X' handle, the Embassy of India in China stated, “Dear Global Times, please verify facts before spreading such misinformation. Scrutinise your sources carefully.” The statement also pointed out that several accounts sympathetic to Pakistan were making baseless allegations under the banner of “Operation Sindoor,” and that it was irresponsible and a violation of journalistic ethics for media organisations to amplify such unverified claims.
India's official fact-checking unit, PIB Fact Check, also exposed this disinformation campaign, highlighting that outdated images from past aircraft accidents were being circulated to create a false narrative.
India clarified that the missile strikes were carried out in retaliation for a brutal terrorist attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The attack, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, targeted a group of tourists. Twenty-six individuals were reportedly identified and executed in front of their family members based on their religious identity. The militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), identified as a proxy of the United Nations-proscribed organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack, according to the Indian Embassy.
India further alleged that Pakistan has taken no concrete action against the terrorist networks operating within its territory, even two weeks after the Pahalgam massacre. On the contrary, it has been denying the allegations and engaging in delay tactics, India claimed. Intelligence reports have warned that more such attacks are being planned.
The Indian government asserted that it had the right to respond to the Pahalgam attack and stated that the armed forces successfully executed missile strikes on nine terrorist hubs, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Rawalakot. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the armed forces for their success in these operations.