On May 10, 2025, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that the Nagrota Airfield in Jammu and Kashmir is fully operational, debunking a series of viral videos falsely claiming that Pakistan had launched attacks on Indian Air Force bases, including Nagrota and Udhampur. The PIB's fact-check unit took to social media to clarify that an old, digitally altered video was being circulated as evidence of a Pakistani attack on the Nagrota Air Base, stating, "Heard of attack on Nagrota Air Base? An old and digitally altered video is being falsely circulated as footage of a Pakistani attack on the Nagrota Air Base. It has no connection to the current India-Pakistan situation." This video was originally posted on Instagram in October 2024 and has no relevance to the current tensions between the two nations.
The PIB's intervention comes amid rising tensions following India's precision strikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025, dubbed Operation Sindoor. These strikes were in direct response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. The PIB emphasized the need for vigilance against misinformation, warning that the viral clips were part of a broader propaganda effort aimed at spreading panic among Indian citizens.
In a separate incident on the same day, an Indian Army soldier was injured in a brief exchange of gunfire with an intruder at the Nagrota Army Station. The White Knight Corps reported that the soldier, who sustained minor injuries, challenged the suspect after noticing suspicious movement near the station's perimeter. A manhunt was subsequently launched for the suspect, with search operations ongoing. This incident coincided with reported drone attacks and artillery shelling from Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Border, raising alarms about a potential escalation in hostilities.
As tensions escalated, the PIB also addressed claims made by Pakistani media alleging that the Udhampur Air Base had been destroyed. The PIB clarified that the footage shown in these reports was actually from a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan, and had no connection to any military actions. “The video being shared is from a fire incident at a chemical factory in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. It has nothing to do with the current India-Pakistan situation,” the PIB stated. This misinformation campaign is seen as an attempt to manipulate public perception during a time of heightened sensitivity.
Colonel Sophiya Qureshi, speaking at a press briefing, confirmed that India’s S-400 air defense systems and other critical military installations remain intact despite the barrage of claims from Pakistan. She stated, "Pakistan spread misinformation on social media, falsely claiming it had targeted the S-400 air defense systems at Adampur, Suratgarh, and Sirsa Air Force Stations, and the BrahMos base in Nagrota. India strongly denies these false narratives." The Indian government also shared timestamped images to substantiate their claims of operational readiness across military bases.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s ongoing misinformation campaign, labeling it "a tissue of lies" aimed at misleading both the Indian public and the international community. He accused Islamabad of fabricating claims regarding extensive damage to India’s critical infrastructure, including airbases and air defense systems, and emphasized that normal operations have resumed at all affected facilities.
On the same day, the Indian military reported that Pakistan had attempted to breach Indian airspace at over 26 locations, launching drones, missiles, and loitering munitions in the early hours of May 10. Colonel Qureshi confirmed that these attacks targeted not only military installations but also civilian infrastructure, including health facilities and schools in Srinagar, Avantipora, and Udhampur. She described these actions as a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international norms and humanitarian conventions.
As the situation continues to unfold, the PIB remains vigilant in its efforts to counter misinformation and urges citizens to verify the authenticity of any information before sharing it on social media. The bureau’s recent warnings highlight the critical importance of discerning fact from fiction in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly and exacerbate tensions.
In light of these events, the Indian government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and armed forces. The PIB’s proactive approach in debunking false narratives serves as a reminder of the ongoing information warfare that often accompanies military conflicts. As both nations navigate this precarious landscape, the call for accurate information and responsible sharing remains paramount.
In conclusion, the developments surrounding the Nagrota Air Base and the broader context of India-Pakistan relations underscore the fragility of peace in the region. With misinformation proliferating and military tensions on the rise, the role of official channels in providing accurate information is more critical than ever.
