TLDR: The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a strong rebuttal against a deepfake video, reportedly circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts, falsely depicting Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. The AI-manipulated video made baseless claims about Rafale jet losses and a missing pilot following India’s Operation Sindoor. PIB’s Fact Check unit confirmed the video’s inauthenticity, warning citizens about information warfare tactics and emphasizing the need for verification.
New Delhi, October 12, 2025 – The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially debunked a sophisticated deepfake video that falsely portrays Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The manipulated content, widely circulated by what are identified as Pakistani propaganda accounts on social media, made sensational and entirely unfounded claims regarding India’s defense capabilities and personnel.
The deepfake video, which has been confirmed by the PIB’s Fact Check unit as an AI-generated fabrication, falsely depicted Air Chief Marshal Singh acknowledging significant aircraft losses during ‘Operation Sindoor.’ Specifically, the video alleged the loss of four Rafale fighter jets and three other aircraft, alongside a fabricated claim that Lieutenant Shivangi Singh, a Rafale pilot, had gone missing in action. The PIB categorically stated that these claims are ‘completely false and baseless.’
In its clarification, the PIB warned the public, stating, ‘A deepfake video of Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh is being circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts. He has NOT given any such statement. These AI-manipulated videos are being spread to create panic and mislead people.’ The bureau urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when encountering and sharing unverified content, particularly videos purporting to show statements from senior military officials.
Officials have highlighted that such information warfare tactics are part of ongoing efforts by Pakistan-based entities to erode public confidence in India’s defense forces. By disseminating digitally altered visuals and false narratives, these groups aim to influence perceptions and incite unrest online. Security analysts suggest that the surge in such deepfake content is strategically timed to coincide with geopolitical tensions that have intensified following India’s ‘Operation Sindoor,’ an operation reportedly aimed at strengthening India’s defensive posture in sensitive regions.
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Experts have reiterated that AI-generated deepfakes pose a growing challenge to national security, capable of deceiving even trained observers. This incident underscores the critical need for enhanced digital literacy and robust media verification systems as India continues to face sophisticated cyber and information warfare from adversarial entities. The Indian Air Force has also reassured the public that no Rafale aircraft have been lost and that all pilots, including Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, are safe and actively on duty. The public has been advised to rely solely on official government channels, such as PIB Fact Check, for accurate information.
