By Sara Nazir

Information warfare, an essential component of hybrid warfare, is dominating the warfare grounds around the globe. Hybrid warfare has typically been defined as the use of propaganda, misinformation, fake news to achieve combative goals and to defeat the enemy over a prolonged period. Similar to this, India has engaged in extensive hybrid warfare against Pakistan, as shown by EU DisinfoLab in their report titled "Indian Chronicle". Which is an investigative research by the Brussels-based EU DisinfoLab, was released in 2021 and exposed a vast network of propaganda and false information against Pakistan? Indian pattern of disinformation is mainly motivated by Kautliya’s (Indian war strategist) support for disinformation as a civil and military warfare tool within his concept of kootayuddha (unprincipled warfare as distinguished from dharma yuddha, righteous warfare).

An independent organization, EU DisinfoLab works to identify and counter misinformation efforts that are directed towards the European Union and its member states and hence holds unparalleled credibility. According to the organization, the campaign of misinformation against Pakistan began in 2005 and has continued for 15 years, promoting Indian goals and defaming Pakistan worldwide.The study revealed a 15-year campaign that involved 116 nations, over 500 fake media outlets and 12 fake non-governmental organizations. This network tried to propel a pro-India and anti-Pakistan narrative in the European Union and the United Nations. The paper claims to have "uncovered an extensive web of linked UN-accredited Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) supporting Indian objectives and frequently criticizing Pakistan. At least 10 of them might be directly linked to the Srivastava group, and numerous other questionable NGOs were spreading the same ideas.

The EU DisinfoLab underlined that Asian News International (ANI), which provides material to numerous well-known media outlets throughout India, continues to promote misinformation on anti-Pakistan and anti-China themes. Additionally, the report claimed that Indian ANI was also publishing and disseminating false information created by the network. There is no doubt that such a massive operation could only operate with the government's knowledge and consent, even though the investigation took pains to avoid linking the network to the Indian state.

In their recent updates of 2023, EU DisinfoLab released research titled "Bad Sources (BS)" which highlighted irresponsible journalism of Indian media wherein fake names of journalists and think tanks have been used which do not actually exist. According to the report, "the narratives propagated by these fake identities and/or organizations are almost entirely about maligning Pakistan and China, countries that are not India's greatest allies on the international stage."

Investigation revealed that, anon-governmental organizationwhich was shut down in 2014 was frequently cited by the news organization. Additionally, it has been quoting fake bloggers, journalists, and geopolitical experts. The DisinfoLab quoted that fake personae, who self-identified as James Bond aficionados, basketball players, and management consultants, became geopolitical analysts referenced by ANI on issues like Pakistan's army doctrines and China's "wolf warrior diplomacy" on several occasions.

Through its use of fake news and disinformation, India has actively contributed to the perception of Pakistan as a nation that sponsors terrorism. Most suitable example is of FATF where India left no stone unturned as it lobbied to put pressure on FATF to classify Pakistan as a terrorist organization.

The report of“Indian Chronicle” has revealed India's shady side as well as the organizational structure of EU and UN. India's long-standing support for democratic principles and human rights has been exposed by its role in the propagation of worldwide disinformation, using the names of individuals and NGOs who do not exist. The papers have also revealed the UN and EU's organizational structure have also disregarded the actions of phony NGOs authorized by the UN itself that are involved in spreading misinformation campaigns through their associated bodies. A similar ploy is currently being used by India to spread false propaganda on Pakistan’s Balochistan province to divert the international community’s attention from the fumes rising from Indian side of Punjab as it continues chasing and hunting down Sikh community leaders who have been/ are vocal about Indian’s BharatiyaJanta Party (BJP) epidemic. As India’s disinformation campaigns are misleading global perceptions away from truths, world community must brace itself against a resultant proxy war of perceptions. It is high time that responsible global watchdogs must take action against such harmful misinformation and their expected outcomes.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of The South Asia Times