The Propoganda Front

Context: Pakistan has shifted its anti-India strategy from fomenting terrorism supported by an information war component to an information war supported by terrorism.

Reasons for Shift in Pakistan’s Anti-India Strategy i.e. Info War Campaign

• Balakot strike demolished Pakistan’s longstanding assumption of India’s non-retaliatory attitude against terrorist attacks.
• The return of the BJP government signaled that India would continue to follow a muscular policy. 
• The Article 370 decision demolished the centerpiece of Pakistan’s nationalism and raised apprehensions about India’s plans for POJK.

Instrument and Platforms of Info War Campaign

• Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI): platforms trained in the mechanics of social media are used for the infowar against India/projecting anti-India themes.
• Fake social media accounts/ audio and video clips: for an instant form of communication.
• The use of handles with phony Middle Eastern identities 
• Internal developments and dissent in India: used to develop a narrative damaging India’s social fabric.
• Repetition of Anti-India narrative from every medium and platforms: like politicians, ISPR, or print, electronic and social media.
• Pakistan’s anti-India narrative: is based on key themes like 
• Disenfranchising Indian Muslims
• Fascist India’s Hindutva supremacist ideology
• International intervention in Kashmir
• Indian Army’s violation of Kashmiris human rights 
• India’s false flag operation and genocide of Muslims in Kashmir.

Impact of Info War Campaign

• Polarise Indian society by attacking India’s inclusive and secular society, democratic polity. 
• Adversely impact India’s international image, foreign investment, secular and democratic credentials.
• Exaggeration, distortion, and fabrication: manipulate perceptions on crucial issues of peace and security.

Conclusion: India needs relentless vigil and battle against Pakistan’s infowar campaign.