India’s False Flag Narrative: Exposing the Anti-Pakistan Propaganda Machinery

India’s obsession with framing Pakistan through the lens of terrorism continues to shape its domestic and international narratives. The recent episode involving fabricated claims about the infiltration of three alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operatives — Hasnain Ali from Rawalpindi, Adil Hussain from Umerkot, and Mohammad Usman from Bahawalpur — via the Nepal-Bihar route is the latest example of New Delhi’s disinformation strategy.
These baseless accusations, amplified by sections of the Indian media, aim to mask India’s internal security lapses and keep its anti-Pakistan agenda alive.

India’s Pattern of Disinformation

The recent incident is not an isolated case but part of a well-documented pattern. Indian agencies, backed by hyper-nationalist media outlets, frequently propagate unverified reports linking Pakistan to every security breach, irrespective of evidence. The Bihar infiltration narrative aligns with this trend and coincides suspiciously with political turbulence and upcoming electoral campaigns.

India’s false flag operations are nothing new. From Pulwama to Balakot, and countless local security “alerts,” the Indian state apparatus has leveraged fear-mongering to shape public sentiment and divert attention from domestic failures.

Deflection from Domestic Crises

While Indian authorities are busy orchestrating propaganda, the country is reeling under unprecedented natural disasters. Massive floods in Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal’s Manali, and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) have left thousands stranded, with rescue operations underfunded and uncoordinated.

Yet, instead of prioritizing relief and rehabilitation, New Delhi’s narrative machinery is busy fueling anti-Muslim and anti-Pakistan rhetoric to keep the Hindutva vote bank mobilized. This strategy, while politically expedient for the BJP, reflects a callous disregard for the real suffering of ordinary Indians.

Bihar’s Rejection of BJP’s Election Strategy

Ahead of elections in Bihar, the BJP’s media allies amplified claims of Pakistani infiltration. However, the people of Bihar have rejected these claims, seeing them for what they are: an old political tactic used by the BJP to gain votes. Many citizens of Bihar have stated that such reports, especially before elections, are nothing new. They view the narrative of Pakistani terrorists as a political gimmick used to distract from the real issues and manipulate voters.

The Political Playbook of Fear

For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, framing Pakistan as the perpetual enemy remains a convenient political gimmick. Such narratives:

• Stoke communal polarization, energizing the Hindu nationalist base.
• Distract from the government’s governance and economic failures.
• Project India as a victim of cross-border terrorism to gain international sympathy.

Political analysts and opposition leaders, including those from the Indian National Congress, have openly criticized the timing of these claims. As noted by several citizens in Bihar, the sudden emergence of “terror infiltrators” before key political events is now a predictable script.

Pakistan’s Firm Stance on Terrorism

India’s allegations ignore the fact that Pakistan has formally proscribed JeM and LeT, enforcing bans and dismantling their networks since 2022. Islamabad has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and continues to take concrete measures under UN counter-terrorism frameworks.

By repeatedly linking proscribed organizations to Pakistan, New Delhi deliberately distorts facts to sustain its diplomatic narrative and malign Pakistan in global forums — a tactic that increasingly lacks credibility in the eyes of the international community.

Exposing the Failures of Indian Agencies

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) — India’s primary counter-terror and intelligence bodies — have faced repeated failures in recent years:

• Inaccurate alerts and false arrests have eroded public trust.
• Lack of credible evidence in several high-profile cases has exposed systemic incompetence.
• Internal rifts and bureaucratic inefficiencies have further compromised operational effectiveness.

These institutional weaknesses are now under international scrutiny, raising serious questions about India’s reliability as a counter-terrorism partner in the region.

Media Amplification and Global Optics

India’s mainstream media plays a central role in legitimizing these false narratives. Outlets like NDTV, without presenting concrete evidence, have amplified claims of infiltration, creating a climate of fear domestically while projecting India as a victim state to the international community.
This orchestrated fear campaign not only undermines journalistic integrity but also weaponizes misinformation to advance a narrow political agenda.

Fear Politics vs. Reality

The reality on the ground in India tells a starkly different story:

• Communities devastated by floods and infrastructure collapse are left waiting for aid.
• Economic disparities and youth unemployment continue to rise.
• Human rights violations in IIOJK remain a glaring blemish on India’s democratic image.

Rather than addressing these internal crises, the government continues to manufacture external threats, distracting from its inability to deliver on core governance responsibilities.

Global Perspective and Pakistan’s Response

Despite India’s relentless propaganda, the international community is increasingly aware of New Delhi’s disinformation tactics. Pakistan, meanwhile, has maintained a measured and constructive approach, emphasizing dialogue, regional stability, and mutual cooperation.

By exposing these fabricated claims, Islamabad has strengthened its credibility on global platforms, showcasing a stark contrast to India’s fear-driven, politically motivated narratives.

Conclusion

India’s latest claims of Pakistani infiltrators in Bihar are part of a well-worn playbook designed to divert attention from domestic failures and political instability. While ordinary Indians struggle with floods, economic stress, and governance deficits, the state machinery remains focused on manufacturing fear and vilifying Pakistan.

The world is no longer blind to these tactics. As New Delhi’s credibility erodes under the weight of its own propaganda, the need for honest engagement and responsible diplomacy has never been greater. Pakistan, for its part, remains committed to regional peace, counter-terrorism, and constructive bilateral dialogue — a commitment India must reciprocate if stability and progress are to prevail in South Asia.