Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has highlighted the significant challenge posed by misinformation during Operation Sindoor, revealing that approximately 15 per cent of the armed forces’ time was dedicated to tackling false narratives.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, General Chauhan said, “Combating fake news was a constant effort. Our communication strategy was deliberate; we chose to be measured, not reactive, because misinformation can quickly distort public perception during high-stakes operations.”
Elaborating on India’s approach to countering disinformation, General Chauhan pointed out that the country’s narratives are grounded in credibility, even if they sometimes emerge slowly. “India has always built its narratives on solid ground, even if we’ve sometimes been slow to present them,” he said. “For instance, in the first three days, two women officers were our primary spokespeople because the actual military leadership were directly engaged in fast-moving operations. It was only after the 10th that the DGMOs came forward to brief the media.”
Addressing concerns about cyber warfare during the conflict, General Chauhan acknowledged its presence but emphasised its limited impact on core military operations. “As someone directly involved in these operations, I can say that cyber did play a role in the conflict, but its impact was limited. While both sides did experience attacks, including some denial-of-service efforts, our military systems are air-gapped, meaning they’re not connected to the internet and are therefore largely secure,” he said.
