Al Jazeera has revealed how India’s state-backed media is being used to spread misinformation, sensationalism, and Hindutva-driven narratives, both domestically and globally.
A comprehensive report by Al Jazeera exposes how Indian mainstream media, under state influence, is increasingly functioning as a propaganda tool rather than a platform for independent journalism. The report highlights a growing credibility crisis, with political and corporate alliances exerting control over media narratives.
According to the report, Indian media is being systematically used to promote the Hindutva ideology and to generate anti-neighbor sentiment. During the May 2025 India-Pakistan tensions, news channels circulated fake news, doctored visuals, and sensational claims, including footage from unrelated conflict zones presented as Indian strikes. Ordinary citizens were directly impacted — one student in Delhi panicked after a false claim of a Pakistani attack on her hometown was broadcast.
Journalist Meena Kashi Ravi remarked, “Indian media is no longer a platform for independent journalism. It has become a propaganda tool, fueling hate against neighboring countries and advancing Hindutva politics.” Samita Sharma added, “Television journalism in India faces a severe credibility crisis, offering more noise than information.” She cited cases where channels falsely claimed Pakistan’s control over Lahore and Karachi.
Roman Gotham, editor at Himal Southasian, stated, “The goal of Indian media is not to inform the public but to reinforce government narratives.” The report also notes that social media, broadcast, and print media are largely co-opted by the ruling party, while freelance and regional journalists face job loss, legal harassment, and threats when reporting critically on state or communal issues.
Al Jazeera concludes that India’s “godi media” — spreading falsehoods, propaganda, and Hindutva ideology — has now been exposed on the global stage. The report warns that such state-backed media manipulation has contributed to India’s declining ranking in the global press freedom index.
