PIB Warns: Manipulated Rajnath Clip on Israel Iran Is Fake

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has debunked a viral video falsely claiming that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made remarks supporting Israel's attack on Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The government clarified that the clip is digitally manipulated and that Rajnath Singh has made no such statement.

The manipulated video, which surfaced on social media platforms including X, Instagram, and Facebook, was circulated primarily by accounts linked to Pakistani propaganda efforts. It purported to show the Defence Minister expressing explicit support for Israel's military actions against Iran, which escalated with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes beginning February 28, 2026. PIB emphasized that the video was doctored to misrepresent Singh's words, with the original footage featuring him discussing an entirely unrelated topic.

In its official statement posted on March 3, 2026, PIB urged the public to exercise caution and beware of such altered content, describing it as part of a deliberate misinformation campaign aimed at misleading audiences and straining India's diplomatic posture. The bureau shared a link to the authentic, unedited video from a reliable source like ANI to demonstrate the discrepancy, reinforcing that no endorsement of the ongoing war was expressed by the minister.

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India's official position on the escalating conflict has consistently called for restraint, de-escalation, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. Government statements, including from the Ministry of External Affairs, have expressed deep concern over developments in West Asia, urging all parties to avoid further escalation and prioritize dialogue to prevent broader regional instability.

The incident highlights the growing challenge of deepfakes and manipulated media in the digital age, particularly during sensitive geopolitical events. Fact-checking units like PIB have been actively countering such disinformation, especially content originating from adversarial sources. Authorities continue to monitor and address viral falsehoods that could impact public perception or international relations.

As the U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran enter their fifth day with retaliatory actions ongoing, Indian officials have maintained a neutral stance focused on peace and stability, avoiding direct alignment with any belligerent party. Citizens are advised to verify information from credible government or media sources before sharing content related to the conflict.

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