On May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a strategic military offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, which occurred in April 2025 and claimed 26 innocent lives. While the military campaign marked a significant victory against terrorism and its sponsors, it exposed a critical struggle for narrative control, highlighting a significant flaw in India’s global outreach.
The War of Narratives: India’s Vulnerability
The international media coverage of the recent India-Pakistan hostilities has often been characterized by speculative narratives and unverified claims. This reporting has frequently undermined India’s documented military successes while amplifying Pakistan’s unsubstantiated assertions. Despite India’s armed forces presenting concrete evidence of targeted strikes, many outlets hastily framed the conflict as a “stalemate,” adhering to a superficial “both sides” narrative.
For instance, Al Jazeera falsely reported the capture of an Indian female pilot, a claim quickly debunked by officials from both nations. Additionally, the Middle East Eye circulated unverified videos suggesting India sought third-party mediation, contradicting Pakistan’s silence on India’s claim that it requested a ceasefire after sustaining heavy losses.
Western media often echoed Pakistan’s claims, such as the unverified downing of “five Indian jets.” CNN cited an anonymous French official to validate one jet’s loss, while The National Interest controversially declared an “unambiguous Pakistani victory” based on dubious assertions and exaggerated praise for Chinese missile technology. This rush to judgment overlooked India’s tactical triumphs, such as the Navy's strategic pressure on Karachi, which was pivotal in prompting Pakistan’s ceasefire appeal.
The Need for a State Public Broadcaster
India must establish its own authoritative, state-supported international broadcaster to combat hostile narratives and assert its voice on the global stage. This broadcaster should serve as a credible and culturally resonant voice for the nation, focusing on three core mandates: countering misinformation, advancing strategic interests, and projecting India’s civilizational ethos.
Unlike existing platforms, this new broadcaster should combine the reach and trustworthiness of traditional media with the agility of digital platforms. It should operate under an expanded Prasar Bharati framework but function as a legally autonomous entity with limited political interference.
To ensure stable financing, it should be primarily funded by a government-allocated, non-lapsable corpus fund, avoiding the budgetary uncertainties that have plagued other public broadcasters. Additionally, public-private partnerships could help reduce reliance on taxpayer money, with collaborations for thematic programming and initiatives.
Engaging Content and Global Reach
The broadcaster can revolutionize India’s global media presence by prioritizing dynamic, audience-centric content. News and current affairs would form the backbone, supported by hyperlocal bureaus producing regional bulletins. Flagship debate programs with globally recognized moderators would enhance credibility.
High-production documentaries showcasing lesser-known traditions and digital formats like reels and podcasts would engage younger audiences. This approach would enable India to capture hearts and minds effectively.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Action
The conflict with Pakistan highlights a crucial truth: in today’s interconnected world, controlling one’s narrative is as vital as defending borders. India’s lack of global media influence risks its stories being told by others. As India rises as a geopolitical and economic power, it must wield the megaphone of soft power with equal vigor as its diplomatic and economic tools.
The cost of inaction is steep, as it allows biased portrayals by Western media to prevail. Now is the time for India to invest in a Global Public Broadcaster, transforming its "soft power deficit" into a cornerstone of global influence. In the battle for hearts and minds, silence is not an option. India must speak, and the world must listen
A Historic Moment for Action
On May 7, 2025, India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a strategic military offensive aimed at dismantling terrorist strongholds in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, which occurred in April 2025 and claimed 26 innocent lives. While the military campaign marked a significant victory against terrorism and its sponsors, it exposed a critical struggle for narrative control, highlighting a significant flaw in India’s global outreach.
The War of Narratives: India’s Vulnerability
The international media coverage of the recent India-Pakistan hostilities has often been characterized by speculative narratives and unverified claims. This reporting has frequently undermined India’s documented military successes while amplifying Pakistan’s unsubstantiated assertions. Despite India’s armed forces presenting concrete evidence of targeted strikes, many outlets hastily framed the conflict as a “stalemate,” adhering to a superficial “both sides” narrative.
For instance, Al Jazeera falsely reported the capture of an Indian female pilot, a claim quickly debunked by officials from both nations. Additionally, the Middle East Eye circulated unverified videos suggesting India sought third-party mediation, contradicting Pakistan’s silence on India’s claim that it requested a ceasefire after sustaining heavy losses.
Western media often echoed Pakistan’s claims, such as the unverified downing of “five Indian jets.” CNN cited an anonymous French official to validate one jet’s loss, while The National Interest controversially declared an “unambiguous Pakistani victory” based on dubious assertions and exaggerated praise for Chinese missile technology. This rush to judgment overlooked India’s tactical triumphs, such as the Navy's strategic pressure on Karachi, which was pivotal in prompting Pakistan’s ceasefire appeal.
The Need for a State Public Broadcaster
India must establish its own authoritative, state-supported international broadcaster to combat hostile narratives and assert its voice on the global stage. This broadcaster should serve as a credible and culturally resonant voice for the nation, focusing on three core mandates: countering misinformation, advancing strategic interests, and projecting India’s civilizational ethos.
Unlike existing platforms, this new broadcaster should combine the reach and trustworthiness of traditional media with the agility of digital platforms. It should operate under an expanded Prasar Bharati framework but function as a legally autonomous entity with limited political interference.
To ensure stable financing, it should be primarily funded by a government-allocated, non-lapsable corpus fund, avoiding the budgetary uncertainties that have plagued other public broadcasters. Additionally, public-private partnerships could help reduce reliance on taxpayer money, with collaborations for thematic programming and initiatives.
Engaging Content and Global Reach
The broadcaster can revolutionize India’s global media presence by prioritizing dynamic, audience-centric content. News and current affairs would form the backbone, supported by hyperlocal bureaus producing regional bulletins. Flagship debate programs with globally recognized moderators would enhance credibility.
High-production documentaries showcasing lesser-known traditions and digital formats like reels and podcasts would engage younger audiences. This approach would enable India to capture hearts and minds effectively.
Conclusion: The Urgency of Action
The conflict with Pakistan highlights a crucial truth: in today’s interconnected world, controlling one’s narrative is as vital as defending borders. India’s lack of global media influence risks its stories being told by others. As India rises as a geopolitical and economic power, it must wield the megaphone of soft power with equal vigor as its diplomatic and economic tools.
The cost of inaction is steep, as it allows biased portrayals by Western media to prevail. Now is the time for India to invest in a Global Public Broadcaster, transforming its "soft power deficit" into a cornerstone of global influence. In the battle for hearts and minds, silence is not an option. India must speak, and the world must listen
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