As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to escalate, social media platforms such as Facebook and X have been flooded with disinformation. Among the most prominent false claims are those made by Indian users asserting that India’s S-400 air defense system shot down three Pakistani fighter jets — two JF-17s and a J-10C — near Amritsar.
These claims, largely spread by Hindutva-aligned accounts and amplified by segments of India’s right-wing media or “Godi media,” remain unverified. Neither Indian nor Pakistani defense ministries have issued any confirmation, and defense sources have dismissed the reports as baseless.
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The disinformation campaign comes in the wake of India’s missile strikes inside Pakistan, reportedly carried out in response to a deadly attack in Pahalgam. Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack and warned that India’s actions risk escalating the conflict. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stated that while Pakistan seeks to avoid full-scale war, it will respond by targeting Indian military installations only — not civilian areas.
According to Pakistani officials, Indian airstrikes have killed 31 civilians and injured 57. In retaliation, Pakistani shelling reportedly killed 12 Indian civilians and wounded 57 more.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Air Force for downing five Indian jets, including a Rafale. A French intelligence source cited by U.S. media confirmed one Rafale was downed, though no official imagery has surfaced.
Experts warn that misinformation could worsen the volatile situation and stress the importance of accurate reporting and verification during conflict.
