PIB Fact Check has debunked a fabricated deepfake video that falsely attributed statements to Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti regarding alleged Indian fighter jet losses during Operation Sindoor and claims of accepting a ceasefire under international pressure.
The manipulated clip circulated widely across social media platforms and attempted to portray the Air Marshal admitting that India suffered major setbacks during the military campaign.
The video also falsely suggested that external diplomatic pressure compelled India to halt operations.
PIB Fact Check clarified that the footage had been digitally altered and did not reflect the original remarks made during the official press briefing.
⚠️ Deepfake video alert!
A digitally manipulated video is being circulated online falsely claiming that Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharati admitted India lost fighter jets during #OperationSindoor. It also alleges that the ceasefire decision was taken under significant… pic.twitter.com/U9MUdMrPYU
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 8, 2026
Authorities urged citizens to rely exclusively on verified government sources for authentic information.
India launched Operation Sindoor in May 2025 following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives.
The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir through precision military strikes.
The fact-check unit compared the manipulated footage with the original briefing.
Air Marshal Bharti stated that Indian forces achieved their operational objectives while maintaining minimal collateral damage. He also highlighted India’s calibrated and dominant strategic response.
The authentic statement did not contain any admission regarding fighter aircraft losses or references to international coercion.
PIB Fact Check reiterated that misinformation campaigns using artificial intelligence and deepfake technology pose growing risks to public trust and national security.
Officials advised citizens to remain vigilant against deceptive digital content and verify sensitive claims through official channels before sharing them online.
The incident underscores increasing concerns over the misuse of AI-generated media in spreading disinformation during sensitive geopolitical situations.
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