Political will, military valor, and entrepreneurship in the defense sector have impressed beyond expectations, but one shortcoming during this difficult time was India’s sluggishness in the information domain. In the international media, the narrative of Operation Sindhur was not only dismissive of Indian concerns but also advanced Pakistani claims without verification. Most of the reporting on the India-Pakistan military clash in outlets like The New York Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, Nikkei Asia, Bloomberg, etc., was done by Pakistani journalists.
The news agency Reuters even published three articles by an anonymous Pakistani writer, Saeed Shah, who was active during that period. These Pakistani journalists only promoted false Pakistani propaganda. Several Western media outlets, knowingly or unknowingly, were influenced by them. Although later The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others confirmed the Indian claims and declared the conflict an Indian victory, during wartime—when media reporting can influence national morale and public opinion—the false propaganda initially spread cannot be effectively corrected afterward.
This is not the first time that international, especially Western media, have shown bias against India. India has endured terrorism for decades, but Western media only began to pay attention to the ‘War on Global Terror’ after 9/11. They still tend to link terrorism in India with the Kashmir dispute or regard it as a reaction to ‘rising aggressive nationalism’ in India. Despite being a country of linguistic and religious diversity and a successful democracy, baseless comments about Indian democracy continue to be made.
When India succeeds in space technology, it faces criticism and its problems are exaggerated. The narrative is a result of bias that Osama’s death is positive news, whereas the killing of terrorists like Nizjar and Pannu’s life being at alleged risk are used to corner the Indian government. Due to cultural and religious differences, Western governments and media do not show the sensitivity towards India that they normally should.
As an emerging economic and military power, envy is also visible in the Western perspective toward India. Despite all this, India cannot remain silent merely by pointing out Western falsehoods and prejudices. Amidst its growing global influence, India must not only tell its own story but also familiarize the world with its views on global issues. For this, apart from finding space in Western media, Indians need to establish independent and credible media platforms that can review events from an Indian perspective within the Indian context.
This responsibility will not be governmental but must be taken up by India’s enlightened journalists and thinkers whose mindset is free from Western or Chinese subservience. Funding must come from investors motivated by the importance of this purpose rather than financial returns. Most importantly, a change in the nation’s mindset is essential.
Long-term foreign colonialism has filled both the common people and India’s intellectual class with self-doubt and hesitation, leading them to remain confined within their indigenous shells and become dependent on Western worldviews. An emerging superpower like India must move beyond introversion and make global concerns its own.
Besides media, think tanks, research institutes, oversight bodies, and higher educational institutions must also be established for this purpose. These institutions should not only comment on global issues but also critically assess Western countries on standards like democracy, freedom of expression, economic progress, and social tolerance. Additionally, cinema, serials, and literature must also globalize their perspectives. The government will also need to focus on some other points.
After Operation Sindhur, the government’s initiative to send a multi-party delegation abroad to explain India’s position must be undertaken periodically. Besides diplomats, dialogue with global leaders and intellectuals on serious issues like terrorism must be a continuous process, supported by institutional efforts. A major reason for the spread of anti-India propaganda is the lack of dialogue and delays in communication.
There is an old saying: when a lie has traveled halfway around the world, the truth is still putting on its shoes. India’s three DGMO (Director Generals of Military Operations) gave an effective press conference presenting India’s position, but prior to that, lack of communication had allowed narratives to spread that claimed India ceased hostilities due to US and Chinese mediation.
In the changing scenario, where issues affecting India are daily topics of discussion, it is necessary that the government hold daily press conferences, similar to the White House, to present its position. We must understand that without the ability to influence narratives, the West will continue to shape its stories with specific messages about India according to their agenda. In other words, they will continue to control the narrative shaping.