Research: Indian Media Used 90% Fake News to Flare up Nuclear war

The relationship between India and Pakistan has long been marked by tension, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir. From April 22 to May 11, 2025, this tension escalated following a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 28 civilians, mostly Hindu tourists (2025 India–Pakistan Conflict). The attack, initially claimed by The Resistance Front, led to military actions and counteractions, bringing the two nuclear-armed nations close to a full-scale war. A ceasefire was agreed upon on May 10, 2025, but not without significant media coverage that shaped public and international perceptions.

During such conflicts, media plays a pivotal role in informing the public and influencing policy. However, the spread of fake news can exacerbate tensions, mislead audiences, and hinder peace efforts. This article examines the extent of fake news broadcast by Indian TV channels during the 2025 conflict, based on research by THINK TANK JOURNAL. It analyzes the data to quantify the spread of misinformation, explores its effects on viewers, assesses damage to media credibility, and discusses the broader implications for trust and international relations.

Methodology

The research was conducted by THINK TANK JOURNAL’s team, including Mr. Waseem Shahzad Qadri, Mr. Asad Mehmood, and Mr. Shahid Nazir, under the supervision of Chief Editor Dr. Saeed Minhas. The team monitored nine major Indian TV channels—Aaj Tak, ABP News, Bharat24 & Bharat Express, CNBC Awaaz, India News & India TV, Time Now, Republic Bharat, NDTV India, and News 18 India—from April 22 to May 11, 2025. The analysis covered news broadcasts in Hindi, Urdu, and English, focusing on war-related content.

Using SPSS software for content analysis, the team categorized news reports into three types: fake news (completely false or misleading), partially correct news (containing some accurate elements but with significant inaccuracies), and correct news (fully accurate). The researchers, certified fact-checkers with digital investigation skills, ensured the reliability of their assessments. This study focuses solely on Indian channels, with a parallel analysis of Pakistani channels underway.

Findings

The research revealed a staggering prevalence of fake news across all monitored channels. Below is a detailed breakdown of the findings:

Key Observations

• High Prevalence of Fake News: The percentage of fake news ranged from 88.21% (CNBC Awaaz TV) to 99.15% (Time Now TV). Most channels had over 90% of their war-related reports classified as fake.

• Minimal Correct Reporting: Channels like Time Now TV and Republic Bharat TV reported only 3 correct news items each, while India News & India TV had just 34.

• Significant Airtime: The duration of war news coverage was extensive, with Time Now TV dedicating over 632 hours and Bharat24 & Bharat Express over 586 hours, much of it filled with misinformation.

Analysis

Extent of Fake News

The data paints a troubling picture of Indian TV media during the 2025 conflict. Channels like Time Now TV (99.15% fake news) and Republic Bharat TV (98.96%) broadcast almost entirely false or misleading reports. Even CNBC Awaaz TV, with the lowest fake news percentage, still had 88.21% of its reports classified as fake. This suggests a systemic issue in how war-related news was reported, with little emphasis on factual accuracy.

The sheer volume of fake news—ranging from 5,910 reports on CNBC Awaaz to 10,700 on Bharat24 & Bharat Express—indicates that misinformation dominated the airwaves. This could have significantly shaped public perception during a critical period of tension (CNN: India-Pakistan Attacks).

Effects on Viewers

The widespread dissemination of fake news likely had profound effects on viewers:

• Increased Anxiety and Fear: False reports of military actions or civilian casualties could have heightened public panic, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both nations. For instance, exaggerated claims about Pakistani aggression may have amplified fear among Indian viewers.

• Polarization and Hatred: Biased or fabricated narratives often present one-sided views, deepening divides. In this case, fake news likely fostered anti-Pakistan sentiments, further polarizing communities.

• Desensitization to Violence: Continuous exposure to violent or exaggerated content can desensitize audiences, making conflict seem more acceptable. This is particularly concerning in a region with a history of violence (NYT: India-Pakistan Kashmir History).

Credibility Damage and Loss of Trust

The high rate of fake news severely undermines the credibility of these TV channels. When viewers discover they have been misled—whether through fact-checking or conflicting reports—they may lose trust in these outlets. This erosion of trust has several consequences:

• Skepticism Towards Media: Viewers may become skeptical of all news sources, making it harder for credible journalism to reach them.

• Impact on Democracy: An informed public is essential for democratic accountability. Misinformation distorts public understanding, weakening this foundation.

• Long-Term Reputation: Channels with near-total fake news output, like Time Now TV and Republic Bharat TV, may struggle to regain viewer trust post-conflict.

Impact on Government Policies

Misinformed public opinion can pressure governments into hasty or aggressive actions. During the 2025 conflict, fake news about Pakistani actions could have pushed the Indian government towards escalatory measures, complicating ceasefire efforts (NYT: India-Pakistan Cease-Fire). This highlights the media’s responsibility to report accurately during crises.

International Relations

Fake news can shape international perceptions, influencing diplomatic efforts. Exaggerated reports of Indian military successes or Pakistani atrocities could have skewed global views, affecting interventions by countries like Iran, which proposed mediation, or the United Nations, which urged restraint (Wikipedia: 2025 India-Pakistan Standoff). This underscores the global stakes of media accuracy.

Broader Implications

Need for Media Regulation

The findings highlight the urgent need for stricter media regulation, particularly during conflicts. Regulatory bodies should monitor broadcasts and penalize channels that spread misinformation. Media organizations must also adopt ethical standards, prioritizing verification over sensationalism.

Role of Viewers

Viewers play a critical role in combating fake news by developing critical thinking skills. Cross-referencing information from multiple sources, including international media, can help mitigate misinformation’s impact. Public awareness campaigns could further empower audiences to discern fact from fiction.

Future Research

While this study focuses on Indian TV channels, a parallel analysis of Pakistani channels is underway. A comprehensive understanding of media practices on both sides is essential for a balanced perspective. Future research could also explore the mechanisms behind fake news production, such as editorial biases or external pressures.

Conclusion

The 2025 India-Pakistan conflict underscored the dangerous role of fake news in escalating tensions and misleading the public. THINK TANK JOURNAL’s research reveals that Indian TV channels broadcasted an alarmingly high percentage of fake news—up to 99.15% in some cases—during this period. This misinformation likely fueled public anxiety, deepened polarization, and pressured government actions, while severely damaging media credibility and public trust.

Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach: stricter regulation, ethical journalism, and an informed public. As the study on Pakistani channels progresses, it will provide a fuller picture of media dynamics in this conflict. Ultimately, responsible reporting is crucial for fostering peace and understanding in a region marked by longstanding tensions.