Indian TV channels continue to promote narratives critical of Islamabad, drawing widespread criticism and embarrassment.
As global attention remains focused on Pakistan-hosted negotiations between the United States and Iran, several Indian media outlets have faced sharp criticism for advancing what observers describe as propaganda-driven narratives rather than recognizing Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to ease tensions.
An Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Baqer Ghalibaf, and a US delegation, headed by Vice President JD Vance, arrived in Pakistan for the peace talks. The discussions come after a two-week ceasefire announced by President Trump, following weeks of conflict marked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Indian TV channels, influenced by the country’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, continued to promote narratives critical of Islamabad, drawing widespread backlash and embarrassment.
However, this portrayal has gained little traction. Officials in New Delhi have watched cautiously as President Donald Trump and senior figures worldwide broadly welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic role, supporting its efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Short video clips circulating online show Indian anchors being challenged by foreign analysts and diplomats, with such exchanges quickly going viral across social media platforms.
In one such instance, controversial anchor Arnab Goswami questioned China-based international affairs expert Victor Gao about developments related to the ceasefire.
In response, Gao initially credited Pakistan for facilitating the negotiations and fostering an environment conducive to dialogue. His remarks, however, appeared to unsettle the anchor, who interrupted him before he could continue.
A similar claim was aired by India Today, where the anchor — citing Israeli sources — stated that Vice President Vance would not arrive in Pakistan and would instead turn back mid-journey to return to the United States.
In another widely circulated exchange, US diplomat Jeffrey Gunter firmly dismissed concerns raised by an Indian anchor about the safety of Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Pakistan.
Times Now anchor Madhavdas G claimed that President Trump was “actually worried” about the vice president’s personal security while in Pakistan.
Gunter reminded the panel that such baseless speculation reduced serious diplomatic matters to an embarrassing “Pakistan-versus-India circus.”
“This is Times Now, one of the most esteemed stations in all of India, and you all look like a group of schoolchildren squabbling over trivial issues,” he said.
He added, “I feel like a schoolteacher about to discipline each and every one of you,” warning that he would put the panel “in the corner” with “a hat on you in detention for 30 minutes.”
Gunter further stressed that turning the issue into a bilateral dispute was inappropriate and reflected poorly on the seriousness of the situation.
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