Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has disclosed a significant vulnerability in India's defence communication strategy, highlighting the absence of a formal system to combat fake news during the recent Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the Pune Public Policy Festival on Friday, the CDS stated that a mechanism to counter such disinformation is now being actively established within the armed forces infrastructure.
The Fake News Challenge and the New Counter-System
Responding to a query about viral disinformation campaigns, including a fabricated video of Karachi port burning that circulated during the operation, General Chauhan pointed out the deficiency. "One of the gaps noticed during Operation Sindoor was that we didn't have a system in place where we could counter fake news," he said, emphasizing that this applied to both social and electronic media.
He outlined the solution currently being implemented. "We are putting in place a system in which we will be able to counter it. And this fake news will be refuted at best not in real time but in near real time," the CDS explained. The objective is to ensure that accurate information reaches the nation's citizens promptly.
General Chauhan cited examples of false reports that had spread, such as claims of attacks on Anangpur, beheadings in Nagrota, and the capture of Indian pilots. "Most of them were fake actually," he noted, underlining the need for a robust future-proof mechanism.
During the operation, platforms were flooded with unverified claims, including false reports of attacks on Islamabad and the arrest of Pakistan's Army Chief, causing widespread public confusion.
Theaterisation of Armed Forces: Process Nears Completion
Shifting focus to the long-pending restructuring of the military, General Chauhan also addressed the ongoing process of theaterisation. He acknowledged that there have been differences of opinion within the armed forces regarding the creation of theatre command structures.
When asked by host Nitin Gokhale about the status, the CDS indicated significant progress. "I would say that we are almost there," he stated. He mentioned that lessons from recent operations, including Operation Sindoor, Uri, Balakot, Galwan, and Doklam, were being incorporated, especially concerning higher defence organizations.
"What could be a standard system which will work for all contingencies?" he pondered, suggesting this was the core challenge. However, he assured that most issues have been resolved and consensus largely achieved.
Pressed for a timeline, General Chauhan revealed that the government has granted him an extension till May 30, and concerted efforts are being made to finalize the theaterisation process by that date.
The CDS's remarks underscore a dual focus for the Indian military: modernizing its combat structure through integration while simultaneously fortifying its information warfare capabilities against the pervasive threat of disinformation.
