India's Ministry of External Affairs debunked viral AI-generated deepfake videos that falsely claimed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about capturing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir [1].

The incident highlights the growing threat of synthetic media in diplomatic relations. As AI tools become more sophisticated, the ability to manufacture realistic footage of high-ranking officials can trigger geopolitical instability or mislead the public regarding national security stances.

According to the ministry, the fabricated videos suggested that Jaishankar discussed capturing Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, or expressed support for protests linked to elections in the region [1]. The MEA said the clips were created to spread disinformation and mislead the public about India's official position [1].

These videos circulated widely on social media platforms before the government issued its clarification. The ministry said that the content was designed to create a false narrative surrounding the PoK elections and India's involvement in regional protests [1].

This effort to discredit the footage follows a pattern of digital misinformation targeting diplomatic figures. The government has urged the public to verify information through official channels to avoid the influence of AI-driven deception [1].

Officials confirmed that the voice and imagery used in the clips were manipulated to mimic the minister's likeness [1]. The ministry continues to monitor the spread of such content to prevent further diplomatic friction, especially regarding the contested region of Kashmir [1].

“The ministry said the clips were created to spread disinformation.”

The use of deepfakes to simulate high-level diplomatic statements represents a shift in information warfare. By targeting a sensitive, contested region like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, bad actors can attempt to provoke military or political reactions through synthetic evidence. This forces governments to move beyond traditional press releases toward real-time digital forensics to maintain international credibility.