The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has issued a strong clarification after a deepfake video falsely depicting President Droupadi Murmu made rounds on social media. The video, digitally altered using artificial intelligence, falsely shows the President claiming she was being used by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Rafale fighter jet publicity. The PIB has confirmed that the video is entirely fabricated and is being circulated by Pakistani propaganda accounts to mislead the public and malign India’s leadership.
PIB Calls Out AI-Generated Fake Video Targeting the President
The viral clip that triggered widespread confusion online featured a manipulated version of President Droupadi Murmu’s voice and visuals, making it appear as though she was criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and alleging that she was being “used” for promoting the Rafale fighter jet. The Press Information Bureau, India’s official fact-checking body, quickly intervened to debunk the content, stressing that the President has made no such statement at any public or private forum.
In an official post shared on X (formerly Twitter), PIB Fact Check labeled the clip as a “Deepfake Video Alert”. The bureau revealed that the video was being circulated by accounts associated with Pakistani propaganda networks that have a known history of spreading disinformation aimed at undermining India’s image. The message from PIB read, “Deepfake Video Alert! Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a digitally altered video of President Droupadi Murmu with false claims that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is using her as a prop to elevate Rafale PR.”
It further clarified, “The President of India has NOT made any such statement! This AI-generated fake video is being circulated to mislead people.” The bureau urged citizens and media users to remain cautious of such manipulated media, particularly as deepfake technology becomes increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect.
The PIB’s timely intervention highlights India’s growing concern about artificial intelligence being weaponized to spread misinformation and manipulate political narratives. As AI tools become more accessible, malicious actors have started using them to fabricate videos of public figures, posing a serious threat to credibility and trust in digital communication.
The deepfake clip in question reportedly emerged shortly after the announcement of President Murmu’s upcoming sortie in a Rafale fighter jet. It quickly gained traction across social media platforms, particularly among accounts identified as being part of Pakistan’s online propaganda ecosystem. Officials stated that such campaigns are designed to exploit sensitive political contexts, inflame public sentiment, and damage India’s international image.
This is not the first instance of deepfake content targeting Indian political and constitutional figures. In recent months, several fabricated videos featuring top ministers and celebrities have been detected and flagged by fact-checkers. The Indian government has repeatedly emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and public awareness about AI-generated misinformation.
President Droupadi Murmu to Take Historic Rafale Sortie from Ambala Base
Amid the controversy over the fake video, the President’s official schedule marks a historic moment in India’s defense history. President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces, is set to undertake a sortie in the Indian Air Force’s most advanced fighter jet, the Rafale. The flight will take place from the Ambala Air Force base in Haryana, making her the first President of India to fly in the Rafale aircraft.
This symbolic gesture not only highlights the operational strength of the Indian Air Force but also reaffirms India’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities. The Rafale fighter jet, inducted into the IAF fleet in 2020, represents one of the most significant upgrades in India’s air defense arsenal, capable of performing a wide range of combat missions with advanced weaponry and radar systems.
President Murmu’s participation in the sortie underscores the continued engagement between the highest constitutional office and the armed forces, reflecting India’s democratic and defense harmony. It also comes as a morale booster for defense personnel, symbolizing the President’s acknowledgment of their dedication and service to the nation.
President Murmu’s earlier sortie in a Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft in April 2023 marked her as the third Indian President and the second woman head of state to undertake such a flight. Before her, former Presidents Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil had flown in Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft in 2006 and 2009 respectively. Each of these flights has represented an enduring connection between the Indian presidency and the nation’s defense institutions.
The upcoming Rafale sortie is also significant in the backdrop of India’s growing defense readiness. Rafale jets were notably deployed during Operation Sindoor, an Indian military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, showcasing the aircraft’s precision strike capabilities. The President’s participation in the sortie reaffirms India’s emphasis on self-reliance, advanced defense technology, and international defense cooperation.
As per official sources, the President will receive a detailed briefing from Air Force officers before the flight, covering operational details, safety measures, and technical aspects of the aircraft. The sortie will likely include a demonstration of Rafale’s agility, maneuverability, and advanced avionics system. After the flight, the President is expected to interact with Air Force personnel and commend their continued service to the nation.
The sortie also serves as a reminder of the evolution of India’s air defense technology and the government’s ongoing focus on boosting indigenous production under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. The inclusion of Rafale aircraft has significantly enhanced India’s deterrence and strike capability, marking a new era in its aerial defense history.
Deepfake Threats and Growing Digital Misinformation Concerns
The incident involving the manipulated video of President Murmu has reignited discussions around the challenges of combating digital misinformation in the era of artificial intelligence. Deepfake videos, created using machine learning algorithms, can convincingly alter visuals and voices, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication. Experts warn that such synthetic media can easily be weaponized for political propaganda, cybercrime, and social manipulation.
India has seen a surge in digitally manipulated videos over the past year, many of which are designed to influence political discourse or defame public figures. The government, through its agencies like PIB Fact Check and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has been actively identifying and debunking such false content. However, experts note that awareness among the general public remains critical to curbing the spread of misinformation.
In response to growing concerns, the Indian government is also exploring legislative measures to regulate the use of generative AI tools and ensure accountability among digital content creators. Efforts are underway to strengthen the Information Technology Rules and establish guidelines for platforms to identify and flag deepfake content.
Internationally, the spread of deepfakes has become a global issue, with governments and tech organizations calling for stronger ethical standards in AI development. Platforms such as X, Meta, and YouTube have introduced new policies to remove or label manipulated videos, though enforcement remains inconsistent.
The deepfake targeting President Murmu is a stark reminder of how technological innovation can be exploited to attack credibility and sow confusion. While the video was swiftly identified and flagged as fake, its circulation underscores the need for vigilance, robust fact-checking systems, and public media literacy.
As India moves toward greater digitalization, the intersection of technology, information, and politics will require a balanced approach—one that encourages innovation while safeguarding truth. The PIB’s prompt response serves as an important example of institutional accountability in countering false narratives.
In the larger context, this incident reaffirms the importance of maintaining trust in official communications and respecting the dignity of constitutional offices. With President Droupadi Murmu set to make history in her Rafale sortie, the focus now returns to the nation’s achievements in defense and technology, standing in stark contrast to the misinformation aimed at dividing public perception.
