The study by EU DisInfoLab investigates several fictitious organizations, bloggers, and journalists that Asian News International (ANI), an Indian news agency, frequently cites and that do not exist. The narratives are almost always about spreading anti-Pakistan/anti-China themes in India.
A study by a European agency looking into false narratives in the Indian media went viral recently on Chinese social media platforms, gaining widespread, attention to India’s purportedly extensive campaign of slander against China and Pakistan.
The study by EU DisInfoLab, an independent non-profit organization published in February 2023, investigates several fictitious organizations, bloggers, and journalists that Asian News International (ANI) frequently cites.
A great deal of information regarding Indian affairs is by the Indian news agency ANI, which produces content for numerous reputable publications like The Print and Business Standard. Additionally, well-known digital portals like Yahoo News reprint ANI content. ANI serves as a provider of news to millions of Indians through this network.
It is worth mentioning that previously AI was accused of reporting to the Indian government. Moreover, according to two previous EU DisInfoLab investigations, ANI frequently cited the defunct “EP Today” and “EU Chronicles,” fake media outfits purporting to specialize in EU politics but founded to spread anti-Pakistan/anti-China themes in India.
The latest investigation led to conclude that ANI has been using quotes from a journalist, several bloggers, and alleged geopolitical experts who do not exist. Fake persona, self-described as James Bond fans, basketball players, and management consultants, became experts quotes by ANI multiple times on topics such as Pakistan’s army doctrines and China’s ‘wolf warrior diplomacy.’
The narratives pushed by these fake organizations are almost always about criticizing China and Pakistan, countries that are not India’s great allies on the international stage. Besides ANI and those outlets republishing its content, barely any other established media covered the reports produced by these “Bad Sources”- the name we give to this investigation.
The EU DisinfoLab assesses that ANI has, at least, failed its readership by not respecting the fundamentals of the Charter of Munich. The fact that some of the ‘organizations’ mentioned use fake personae and hide their tracks while being regularly quoted by ANI shows that ANI is “de facto,” playing a role in this influence operation.
Within the complex geopolitical context of South Asia, such disinformation campaigns have far-reaching consequences which can strain diplomatic relations and hinder regional cooperation efforts.
