#FactCheck -Deepfake Audio Misuses Old Jaishankar Podcast to Fabricate False Claims About “Operation Sindoor”
Executive Summary
A deepfake video is being widely circulated on social media with a false claim that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar admitted in a podcast interview that India was surprised by Pakistan’s counter-response during “Operation Sindoor” and suffered some losses. However, a fact-check by CyberPeace Research Wing has found the claim to be fake. The research shows that AI-generated audio has been used to misrepresent the External Affairs Minister’s remarks.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the viral video claiming that in a recent podcast with journalist Smita Prakash, Jaishankar admitted that Pakistan’s aggressive response during Operation Sindoor had caught India off guard.
Fact Check
A review of the original interview on ANI’s YouTube channel shows that the conversation between Smita Prakash and S. Jaishankar was uploaded on May 24, 2024—well before Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor reportedly began on May 7, 2025. In the original video, there is no mention of Operation Sindoor or any Pakistani counter-response, making the viral claim baseless. Further analysis using AI detection tools such as Hive Moderation and Hiya indicated that the audio in the viral clip is likely AI-generated, suggesting manipulation of the original content.
Conclusion
The viral video is fake. AI-generated audio has been used to alter an old interview and falsely attribute statements to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Related Blogs
Executive Summary
Amid reports of a two-week ceasefire announced on April 8, 2026, between the United States and Iran, a video showing a sudden explosion inside a building has gone viral on social media. The clip shows a fire brigade vehicle stationed outside a structure, with people entering the premises moments before a blast occurs. Social media users are sharing the video with claims that Iran carried out an attack on Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging that the building shown is linked to Israel’s defence ministry.
However, a research by CyberPeace has found the claim to be false. The viral video is not recent and has no connection to Israel or any ongoing conflict.
Claim
A Facebook user shared the video on April 3, 2026, claiming that Iran had attacked Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and severely damaged a building associated with him.
Fact Check
To verify the claim, we extracted keyframes from the viral video and conducted a reverse image search. This led us to the same video posted on an X account named Fernanda Melchionna on December 31, 2025.
According to the available information, the video is from Santana do Livramento, where a major fire broke out in a supermarket. Further keyword searches led us to a report published on December 31, 2025, by the Brazilian news website GZH (gaúcha zh clicrbs). The report stated that a fire had erupted in a supermarket in Santana do Livramento, and firefighters had reached the spot to control the blaze. During the operation, an explosion occurred, leaving around 17 people injured. The injured were later taken to a hospital.
We also found the same video uploaded on the YouTube channel Terra Brasil on January 1, 2026, further confirming its origin and timeline.
Conclusion
The viral claim is false and misleading. The explosion video being shared as an attack on Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is unrelated to the ongoing Middle East situation. The footage is actually from December 2025 and shows an incident in Brazil, where a fire in a supermarket led to an explosion during firefighting operations. There is no evidence to suggest any such attack took place in Israel. The video has been taken out of context and circulated with a fabricated narrative to mislead users and exploit geopolitical tensions.
Executive Summary
An image circulating on social media claims to show Suryakumar Yadav, captain of the Indian cricket team, extending his hand to greet Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha, who allegedly refused the gesture during the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match held on February 15. Users shared the image as evidence of a real incident from the high-profile clash. However, a research by CyberPeace found that the image is AI-generated and was falsely circulated to mislead viewers.
Claim
On February 15, an X account named “@iffiViews,” reportedly operated from Pakistan, shared the image claiming it was taken during the India–Pakistan T20 World Cup match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The viral image appeared to show Yadav attempting to shake hands with Agha, who seemed to decline the gesture. The post quickly gained significant traction online, attracting around one million views at the time of reporting. Here is the link and archive link to the post, along with a screenshot.
- https://x.com/iffiViews/status/2023024665770484206?s=20
- https://archive.ph/xvtBs
Fact Check:
To verify the authenticity of the image, researchers closely examined the visual and identified a watermark associated with an AI image-generation tool. This raised strong indications that the image was digitally created and did not depict an actual event.
The image was further analysed using an AI detection tool, which indicated a 99.9 percent probability that the content was artificially generated or manipulated.
Researchers also conducted keyword searches to check whether the two captains had exchanged a handshake during the match. The search revealed media reports confirming that the traditional handshake between players has been discontinued since the Asia Cup 2025 in both men’s and women’s cricket. A report published by The Times of India on February 15 confirmed that no such customary exchange took place during the match between the two teams in Colombo.
Conclusion
The viral image claiming to show Suryakumar Yadav attempting to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha is not authentic. The visual is AI-generated and has been shared online with misleading claims.
Introduction
As the calendar pages turn inexorably towards 2024, a question looms large on the horizon of our collective consciousness: Are we cyber-resilient? This is not a rhetorical flourish but a pragmatic inquiry, as the digital landscape we navigate is fraught with cyberattacks and disruptions that threaten to capsize our virtual vessels.
What, then, is Cyber Resilience? It is the capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from these cyber squalls. Picture, if you will, a venerable oak amid a howling gale. The roots, those unseen sinews, delve deep into the earth, anchoring the tree – this is preparation. The robust trunk and flexible branches, swaying yet unbroken, embody response. And the new growth that follows the storm's rage is recovery. Cyber resilience is the digital echo of this natural strength and flexibility.
The Need for Resilience
Why, you might ask, is Cyber Resilience of such paramount importance as we approach 2024? The answer lies in the stark reality of our times:
- A staggering half of businesses have been breached by cyberattacks in the past three years.
- The financial haemorrhage from these incursions is projected to exceed a mind-numbing $10 trillion by the end of 2024.
- The relentless march of technology has not only brought innovation but also escalated the arms race against cyber threats.
- Cyber resilience transcends mere cybersecurity; it is a holistic approach that weaves recovery and continuity into the fabric of digital defenses.
- The adaptability of organisations, often through measures such as remote working protocols, is a testament to the evolving strategies of cyber resilience.
- The advent of AI and Machine Learning heralds a new era of automated cyber defense, necessitating an integrated framework that marries security with continuity protocols.
- Societal awareness, particularly of social engineering tactics, and maintaining public relations during crises are now recognised as critical elements of resilience strategies.
- Cyber threats have evolved in sophistication, paralleling the intense competition to develop new AI-driven solutions.
- As we gaze towards the future, cyber resilience is expected to be a prominent trend in both business and consumer technology sectors throughout 2024.
The Virtues
The benefits of cyber resilience for organisations are manifold, offering a bulwark against the digital onslaught:
- A reduction in the risk of data breaches, safeguarding sensitive information and customer data.
- Business continuity, ensuring operations persist with minimal disruption.
- Protection of reputation, as companies that demonstrate effective cyber resilience engender trust.
- Compliance with data protection and privacy regulations, thus avoiding fines and legal entanglements.
- Financial stability, as the costs associated with breaches can be mitigated or even prevented.
- Enhanced customer trust, as clients feel more secure with companies that take cybersecurity seriously.
- A competitive advantage in a market rife with cyber threats.
- Innovation and agility, as cyber-resilient companies can pivot and adapt without fear of digital disruptions.
- Employee confidence, leading to improved morale and productivity.
- Long-term savings by sidestepping the expenses of frequent or major cyber incidents.
As the year wanes, it is a propitious moment to evaluate your organisation's cyber resilience. In this edition, we will guide you through the labyrinth of cyber investment buy-in, tailored discussions with stakeholders, and the quintessential security tools for your 2024 cybersecurity strategy.
How to be more Resilient
Cyber resilience is more than a shield; it is the preparedness to withstand and recover from a cyber onslaught. Let us explore the key steps to fortify your digital defenses:
- Know your risks: Map the terrain where you are most vulnerable, identify the treasures that could be plundered, and fortify accordingly.
- Get the technology right: Invest in solutions that not only detect threats with alacrity but also facilitate rapid recovery, all the while staying one step ahead of the cyber brigands.
- Involve your people: Embed cybersecurity awareness into the fabric of every role. Train your crew in the art of recognising and repelling digital dangers.
- Test your strategies: Regularly simulate incidents to stress-test your policies and procedures, honing your ability to contain and neutralise threats.
- Plan for the worst: Develop a playbook so that everyone knows their part in the grand scheme of damage control and communication in the event of a breach.
- Continually review: The digital seas are ever-changing; adjust your sails accordingly. Cyber resilience is not a one-time endeavour but a perpetual commitment.
Conclusion
As we stand on the precipice of 2024, let us not be daunted by the digital storms that rage on the horizon. Instead, let us embrace the imperative of cyber resilience, for it is our steadfast companion in navigating the treacherous waters of the cyber world. Civil Society Organizations such as ‘CyberPeace Foundation’ playing a crucial role in promoting cyber resilience by bridging the gap between the public and cybersecurity complexities, conducting awareness campaigns, and advocating for robust policies to safeguard collective digital interests. Their active role is imperative in fostering a culture of cyber hygiene and vigilance.
References
- https://www.loginradius.com/blog/identity/cybersecurity-trends-2024/
- https://ciso.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ciso-strategies/cisos-guide-to-2024-top-10-cybersecurity-trends/106293196
