Harshvardhan Mishra
Introduction
In an age of digital misinformation and global media warfare, fact-checking plays a vital role in preserving truth and public trust. Recently, a false report by China Daily claimed that at least three Indian fighter jets had crashed in Kashmir. This misleading story gained traction on social media platforms and caused a wave of concern among citizens. However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has stepped in to clarify the truth.
The False Report
A tweet and article published by China Daily alleged a significant aviation incident involving the crash of three Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in the Kashmir region. This alarming report quickly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and WhatsApp, prompting worry among users.
However, no such incident has been reported by any credible Indian defense or news source.
PIB Fact Check Clarification
On May 9, 2025, the official handle @PIBFactCheck responded to the claim:
“A news report by @ChinaDaily falsely claims that at least three Indian jets crashed in Kashmir.
✅ The image is from an earlier incident from 2019.
🔗 Here is a news report from 2019: AJEnglish Tweet
🔴 This is part of a coordinated propaganda campaign aimed at creating panic and misleading the public.”
A news report by @ChinaDaily falsely claims that at least three Indian jets crashed in Kashmir.#PIBFactCheck
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 9, 2025
✅ The image is from an earlier incident from 2019.
🔗Here is a news report from 2019: https://t.co/0BeLRorOvF
🔴 This is part of a coordinated propaganda campaign… pic.twitter.com/E1OQaDYkHV
The Real Story Behind the Image
The image used by China Daily to support its false report has been traced back to a 2019 incident, unrelated to any recent events in Kashmir. By reusing old visuals out of context, the report attempts to fabricate a narrative without factual basis.
Such tactics are often employed in propaganda efforts to destabilize regions emotionally and politically.
Why This Matters
Disinformation campaigns like these are not just harmless rumors—they can have serious implications:
- They endanger public morale and national security.
- They can trigger unnecessary panic during sensitive geopolitical situations.
- They undermine trust in legitimate news sources and government institutions.
What You Should Do
✅ Always Verify Before Sharing
- Trust only credible sources like PIB, Indian defense agencies, and reputed national media.
- Visit https://pib.gov.in or follow @PIBFactCheck for verified updates.
✅ Be Alert to Old Media Used as New
- Reverse image searches or date verification can reveal when and where a photo or video originally appeared.
✅ Report Fake News
- You can report misinformation to PIB Fact Check via:
📧 Email: factcheck@pib.gov.in
📱 WhatsApp: +91-8799711259
Explore more fake viral
- PIB Fact Check: Fake Claims About Explosions at Jaipur Airport Debunked
- PIB फैक्ट चेक: दिल्ली आग की घटना पर फैलाई जा रही फर्ज़ी अफवाहों का सच
- Fact Check: No Advisory Issued by Government to Turn Off Location Services on Phones
- Understanding @PIBFactCheck: India’s Digital Shield Against Fake News During Crisis Situations
Conclusion
The claim made by China Daily about the crash of three Indian jets in Kashmir is entirely false and based on outdated imagery from 2019. According to PIB Fact Check, this is part of a coordinated propaganda attempt to spread misinformation and create unrest.
Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, verify information from official sources, and not fall prey to false narratives aimed at misleading the public.
