During the India-Pakistan conflict of May 2025, modern warfare extended beyond conventional tactics, with nations using armed drones and missiles against each other. Simultaneously, disinformation was used as a weapon in the digital realm. This study examines the disinformation and misinformation campaigns conducted by Pakistan against India during this conflict, arguing that in the digital age, control over narratives is as critical as physical combat. The study reveals that Pakistan launched a coordinated information war across various social media platforms. The tactics included using fake images, AI-generated content, old videos, and even video game footage to create false narratives and shape perceptions. While India’s initial digital response was reactive, it quickly adapted with a strategy of proactive transparency and centralized information control. However, the conflict also exposed India’s vulnerabilities to internal divisions, the weaponization of public statements, and the misrepresentation of remarks made by leaders. The paper concludes that the conflict underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive national strategy for India to counter information warfare.
Sharma et al. (Wed,) studied this question.