The Thunder of Fake News - How Godi Media Undermines India’s Resolve in Operation Sindhoor

Disgusting media made us look dull

India stands at a critical juncture, with the echoes of Operation Sindhoor—a decisive military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025—still reverberating across the nation. As an Indian citizen, I am filled with pride for our armed forces, who, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) with precision and resolve. Yet, my heart is heavy with frustration at the rampant misinformation peddled by media houses, particularly the so-called "Godi Media," whose sensationalism is eroding the Prime Minister’s statesmanship and our national narrative. The recent ceasefire, mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump, further raises questions about India’s long-standing policy against third-party involvement in bilateral issues. Like thunderstorms that roar with lightning but yield little rain, this media frenzy and diplomatic shift risk leaving India parched for truth and strategic clarity.

The Media Storm - Fake News and Operation Sindhoor

Operation Sindhoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a bold statement against terrorism, targeting nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and PoK. Prime Minister Modi, addressing air force personnel on May 13, 2025, declared it India’s “new normal,” a clear “Lakshman Rekha” against terrorism. Yet, the media’s handling of this operation has been nothing short of chaotic. Indian media outlets, often labeled "Godi Media" for their perceived alignment with the government, have turned national security into a soap opera, prioritizing TRP-driven sensationalism over facts. Social media posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with users decrying how “Godi media smells ratings, not facts,” transforming Operation Sindhoor into a “TRP tamasha” with “louder graphics, less truth.”

The misinformation is not limited to Indian media. Pakistan’s propaganda machine has been equally brazen, with claims like the Indian Army raising a white flag at Chora Post or capturing Indian soldiers—narratives amplified by Pakistan’s Minister Attaullah Tarar and later retracted when debunked. Indian media, instead of countering these falsehoods with rigor, often amplifies unverified claims, creating a fog of war that benefits no one. For instance, a baseless social media post alleging the Indian military attacked its own citizens from Ambala Airbase was circulated widely before the Ministry of Defence issued a clarification. This reckless reporting not only fuels Pakistan’s propaganda but also undermines the sacrifices of our soldiers, like Colonel Sophia Qureshi, who briefed the nation on Operation Sindhoor with clarity and pride.

Godi Media’s Harm to PM Modi’s Statesmanship

Prime Minister Modi’s leadership has been defined by a strong, independent foreign policy and a commitment to national security. His address on May 13, 2025, warning Pakistan against nuclear blackmail and urging its people to act before it’s too late, showcased his resolve. Yet, the very media houses that claim to support him are harming his statesmanship. By prioritizing hype over substance, Godi Media reduces complex geopolitical strategies to mere poll posters, as one X user noted, accusing the government of covering up intelligence failures with Operation Sindhoor for electoral gains in Bihar.

This sensationalism risks portraying Modi as a leader swayed by media narratives rather than a statesman guiding India’s ascent as a global power. The Prime Minister must recognize that aligning with such media undermines his credibility. When outlets amplify unverified claims or turn national security into a “blockbuster,” they erode public trust and weaken India’s diplomatic narrative. My plea to PM Modi is simple: distance yourself from this media circus. Your legacy deserves better than being tethered to outlets that prioritize ratings over the nation’s dignity.

The Ceasefire Conundrum - Trump’s Mediation and India’s Shift

The ceasefire announced on May 10, 2025, following intense clashes, has sparked debate, particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of mediation. Trump announced on Truth Social that the ceasefire was the result of “a night of talks mediated by the United States,” a claim echoed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who praised Modi and Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif for their “statesmanship.” Pakistan acknowledged the U.S. role, but India’s Ministry of External Affairs insisted the ceasefire was agreed “directly” between the two nations, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirming that Pakistan’s DGMO contacted India’s DGMO to halt military actions.

This discrepancy raises serious concerns. India has historically rejected third-party mediation in bilateral issues, particularly with Pakistan, viewing itself as an ascendant superpower that resolves disputes independently. The 2021 LoC ceasefire, for instance, was forged through backchannels without external mediators, as was the de-escalation following the 2019 Balakot airstrike. The Modi government’s briefings to global envoys during the Pahalgam crisis further underscored India’s preference for direct diplomacy.

Why, then, did India allow Trump to claim credit? Analysts suggest India’s reticence stems from its desire to avoid “hyphenation” with Pakistan or internationalizing bilateral matters. Yet, the perception of U.S. mediation risks diluting India’s stance. Opposition leaders, like the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, have questioned whether Modi succumbed to Trump’s pressure, calling for an all-party meeting to clarify the “sensitive matter.” The involvement of other mediators—Saudi Arabia’s Adel al-Jubeir, the UAE, and even China’s Wang Yi speaking to NSA Ajit Doval—further complicates the narrative.

This shift could signal a pragmatic adjustment to global realities, with India balancing relations with the U.S. and Gulf states. However, it risks setting a precedent that undermines India’s sovereignty in resolving disputes. The ceasefire itself, while restoring peace, saw violations, with blasts reported in Srinagar and Jammu hours after the agreement, highlighting its fragility. As an Indian, I urge the Prime Minister to reaffirm India’s commitment to direct dialogue, ensuring that bilateral issues remain free from external influence.

Thunderstorms Without Rain draws parallel to our Media and Diplomacy

The media’s handling of Operation Sindhoor and the ceasefire is akin to a thunderstorm that dazzles with lightning but yields little rain. The loud roars of breaking news, the flashes of sensational headlines, and the drama of unverified claims create a spectacle that captivates but fails to nourish. Just as a parched land needs steady rain, not fleeting storms, India needs media that informs, not inflames, and diplomacy that strengthens, not compromises, our sovereignty. These thunderstorms—whether in the form of Godi Media’s hype or Trump’s mediation claims—leave us wanting for the substantive progress that only truth and independence can bring.

I Implore

As a concerned citizen, I implore Prime Minister Modi to address these challenges head-on. Curb the excesses of Godi Media by promoting responsible journalism that prioritizes facts over drama. Reassert India’s stance against third-party mediation, ensuring that bilateral issues with Pakistan remain just that—bilateral. Let Operation Sindhoor be remembered not for media tamasha or diplomatic ambiguity but for India’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.

The thunder may roar, but it is the quiet rain of truth and statesmanship that will sustain India’s growth. Let us move forward with clarity, unity, and pride in our nation’s strength