Strategic disinformation: The role of Turkey, China, and Bangladesh in Pakistan’s information warfare against India during Operation Sindoor

Abstract

The recent India-Pakistan conflict, known as Operation Sindoor, extended beyond traditional military engagements into the realm of information warfare. This paper examines how Pakistan, with support from Turkey, China, and elements within Bangladesh, orchestrated a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining India's strategic interests and public morale. Through cyberattacks, propaganda dissemination, and the manipulation of social media narratives, these nations engaged in a multifaceted information offensive. The analysis draws upon recent reports and expert assessments to elucidate the methods and impacts of this concerted effort. (The Times of India)

Introduction

In April 2025, a Pakistan sponsored terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor—a series of retaliatory strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. While the kinetic operations garnered significant attention, a parallel and equally critical battle unfolded in the digital domain. Pakistan, leveraging its alliances with Turkey and China, and with certain factions in Bangladesh, initiated an extensive information warfare campaign designed to distort narratives, spread disinformation, and erode India's domestic and international standing. (The Guardian)

China's Strategic Support in Information Warfare

China's involvement in Pakistan's information warfare was multifaceted, encompassing both military and digital domains. Militarily, Pakistan's deployment of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles during the conflict not only showcased the potency of Chinese weaponry but also served as a propaganda tool to project strength and technological superiority. This real-world application provided China with valuable data on its military exports and enhanced its arms export credentials. (The Guardian)

Digitally, Chinese state-affiliated media outlets, notably the Global Times, amplified Pakistan's narratives, often disseminating unverified or misleading information to international audiences. This strategic communication aimed to legitimize Pakistan's actions while casting doubt on India's motives and military effectiveness.

Turkey's Role in Amplifying Disinformation

Turkey emerged as a significant player in the information warfare landscape, aligning with Pakistan to challenge India's regional influence. Turkish hacktivist groups participated in coordinated cyberattacks targeting Indian infrastructure, including government websites and financial institutions. These attacks aimed to disrupt services and sow chaos, thereby undermining public confidence in India's digital security. (@EconomicTimes)

Furthermore, Turkey's state-controlled media and diplomatic channels echoed Pakistan's positions, providing a platform for anti-India rhetoric. This alignment not only reinforced Pakistan's narratives but also signaled a broader geopolitical shift, with Turkey seeking to expand its influence in South Asia.

Bangladesh's Involvement in the Disinformation Campaign

While Bangladesh's government maintained a neutral stance, certain groups within the country contributed to the disinformation efforts against India. Following the political upheaval in Bangladesh in 2024, which saw the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian media outlets portrayed the subsequent interim government as being aligned with Islamist factions, allegedly supported by Pakistan and China. These portrayals were often based on unverified claims and contributed to a narrative of regional instability. Though with recent events they seem to be true. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

Additionally, Bangladeshi think tanks added to the anti-India rhetoric online. Fact checking organisations from India identified numerous instances of misinformation circulating on social media, including recycled images and videos deliberately being circulated. These false narratives were propagated by various actors, further complicating the information environment. (Wikipedia, Prothomalo)

Cyberattacks and Digital Sabotage

The cyber dimension of the conflict saw a surge in attacks against Indian digital infrastructure. Hackers from Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, and other allied nations launched a series of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, phishing campaigns, and malware deployments targeting critical sectors such as defense, finance, and telecommunications. Notably, over 2,500 entities were targeted, with more than 1,000 cyber incidents reported between April 22 and May 10, 2025. (The Times of India, The Times of India)

These cyber offensives aimed to extract sensitive information, disrupt services, and create a sense of vulnerability among the Indian populace. Despite the scale of the attacks, Indian cyber defense mechanisms, including those implemented by Maharashtra's cyber cell, effectively neutralized many threats, preventing significant damage. (The Times of India, The Times of India)

Impact on Public Perception and International Opinion

The disinformation campaigns had a tangible impact on public perception within India and among the international community. False narratives, such as exaggerated claims of Indian military losses and fabricated stories of communal violence, circulated widely on social media platforms. These narratives aimed to erode public trust in the Indian government and military, as well as to influence international opinion against India's actions. (Wikipedia)

Moreover, the spread of misinformation and anti-India activities have led to economic repercussions, exemplified by the "Ban Turkey" campaign in India, where traders boycotted Turkish products in response to Turkey's perceived support for Pakistan. (The Times of India)

Conclusion

The information warfare waged during Operation Sindoor underscores the evolving nature of modern conflicts, where digital battlegrounds are as critical as physical ones. Pakistan's collaboration with Turkey, China, and elements within Bangladesh in orchestrating a multifaceted disinformation campaign highlights the strategic use of information as a weapon. For India, this experience emphasizes the need to bolster cyber defenses, enhance media literacy, and develop robust counter-disinformation strategies to safeguard national interests in the digital age. (The Times of India)

References

• "Operation Sindoor: As Pak drones took to skies, hackers attacked India via cloud." The Times of India, May 14, 2025. (The Times of India)

• "Pakistan's use of J-10C jets and missiles exposes potency of Chinese weaponry." The Guardian, May 14, 2025. (The Guardian)

• "India-Pak War: How China & Turkey Joined Pakistan Army In Information Warfare." Eurasian Times, May 11, 2025. (EURASIAN TIMES)

• "Disinformation spreading in Bangladesh over India-Pakistan conflict." Prothom Alo, May 8, 2025. (Prothomalo)

• "State cyber cell uses advanced tech to neutralise threats of fake news, malware, DDoS attacks." The Times of India, May 11, 2025. (The Times of India)

• "India-Pakistan tensions: 'Ban Turkey' trend gains momentum in Pune as traders boycott Turkish apples." The Times of India, May 14, 2025. (The Times of India)