The Ministry of Defence has tweeted an advisory on social media platform X asking media channels, digital platforms and Individuals from sharing any information or live reporting of defence operation. This is to avoid jeopardising operational effectiveness and maintaining highest secrecy. The Ministry has shared this based on the advisory published by the Ministry of information and broadcasting on 26th April, 2025.
The advisory was addressed to Media channels and the subject was to refrain from showing live coverage of defence operations and movement of security forces. Real time coverage of military movement by media personal was denied to uphold national security and protect the defence personal’s identify. The advisory further mentioned that in the past, it was seen that live recording of Kargil conflict, Mumbai terror attack and Kandahar highjacking had adverse consequences on national interest which must be avoided.
The advisory said that responsible reporting is not only a legal obligation but also a moral act and the matter fall under Rule 6(1)(p) of Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021). The rule specifies that media are limited from live coverage of anti-terrorists operation and the information can only be passed by media briefing carried on by appropriate officials designated by the Government of India. The document further adds that all media channels and individuals must exercise vigilance, sensitivity, and responsibility in coverage, upholding the highest standards in the service of the nation.
The advisory was tweeted by Ministry of defence adopting from the original document as misinformation campaigns were spreading following Operation Sindhoor. Social media and news channels were filled with fake news.
This led the government to assign two designated officers Colonal Sofiya Qureshi, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The media briefing detailed about the precision strikes launched by the joint forces which were non- escalatory and controlled in nature. The attack only targeted terrorist camps of Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The second briefing by the same officials also clarified many fake news spread by Pakistani Channels were absolutely untrue.
