In the volatile world of India-Pakistan relations, a new battleground is emerging: the digital realm. Amid recent flare-ups, reports indicate that elements within Pakistan’s security, intelligence and media ecosystems are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI), bot networks and manipulated video content to shape narratives against India raising serious concerns about information warfare, regional stability and media integrity.
During the 7-11 May 2025 hostilities between India and Pakistan, numerous false claims circulated widely on social media: alleged Pakistani air-force successes, Indian infrastructure destroyed, coups in either country, and massive military victories many of which were quickly debunked.
A report by Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) found that AI-generated visuals, recycled video game footage and doctored images were being used to present fictitious “battlefield wins” and to amplify strategic narrative shaping.
Indian law-enforcement officials, including in Maharashtra, specifically flagged that the Pakistani side “used AI and video games for fake videos” during the conflict.
Tactics and Tools of Disinformation
Bot networks & amplification: Automated or semi-automated accounts amplify posts, enabling false narratives to gain rapid traction before verification or fact checking can catch up.
AI-generated visuals / deepfakes: Fabricated footage sometimes from video games, old conflicts, or AI-manipulated images are recast as current events. For example, footage from a video game was passed off as Pakistani rocket attacks.
Manipulated mainstream media and state actors: In some cases, narratives seeded online are picked up by television channels, social-media influencers and even official statements. This creates a cascade of “fake news becomes news”.
Rapid-fire narrative launches: During the short May conflict, false narratives were launched almost in real time, making verification difficult and amplifying panic, misperception and mistrust.
When disinformation enters the public domain in both countries, it raises the risk of miscalculation. An erroneous report of a strike, a downed aircraft, or a coup can escalate tensions in volatile environments. Misleading narratives fuel fear, nationalistic fervour, suspicion and can undermine public trust in institutions and media. Indian audiences must be aware that what they see online may be part of a coordinated influence operation, especially in times of crisis. The use of AI, bots and manipulated media signals a shift in how information warfare is conducted. India must prepare not only militarily but informationally.
What Can India Do
Strengthen fact-checking and media literacy: Encourage platforms, regulators and educational institutions to build capabilities to detect deepfakes, bot networks and doctored video content.
Rapid verification mechanisms: In times of heightened tension, quick-response fact-check cells and joint industry-government task-forces can identify and counter disinformation.
Platform accountability: Social media platforms must enhance transparency around bot-activity, flagged posts and manipulated content, especially across cross-border conflicts.
Public awareness campaigns: Citizens should be educated to treat “viral” visuals with scepticism, especially when emanating during conflict or crisis.
Cross-border cooperative frameworks: While challenging politically, regional cooperation on digital-threats can help mitigate escalation via mis-information.
In the modern age, war isn’t just fought on the ground it is increasingly fought online. The recent India-Pakistan escalation showed how fast false narratives can spread, using bots, AI-generated visuals and manipulative content. While attribution remains difficult (and disinformation is not solely one-sided), there is credible evidence that Pakistani proxies and influence networks are leveraging these tools. For India, acknowledging the threat, bolstering resilience, and raising national digital-information awareness must sit alongside traditional defence preparedness.
Because in the age of hybrid warfare, control of the narrative can be just as powerful as control of the territory.
