Several Indian media outlets have published reports claiming that Pakistan is rapidly advancing its long-range missile programme.
According to details, these baseless and unfounded propaganda reports have been circulated by various Indian media groups, including India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, CNBC TV18, Times Now, and others.
All these Indian outlets have cited the same source: a recent article in Foreign Affairs magazine written by Vipin Narang and Pranay Vaddi, both associated with US nuclear policy. Narang is a former official in the Biden administration, while Vaddi works at the Brookings Institution.
The article discusses global nuclear threats, focusing primarily on China and Russia. Pakistan is mentioned only once. There is no satellite data, no missile test evidence, and no official US statement about Pakistan’s missile programme.
Indian media lifted a single paragraph from the article, turned it into front-page headlines, and provided no actual evidence regarding Pakistan’s missile development. The original piece is not about Pakistan’s current capabilities but about the need for more US warheads.
This style of reporting is known as narrative laundering. It begins with speculation, evolves into a so-called “assessment,” and is eventually used to justify panic and push certain narratives. Ultimately, such tactics pave the way for new military partnerships.
Meanwhile, India’s own long-range missiles, like the Agni-V, face little criticism. Israel’s Jericho III missile has even been praised. But when it comes to Pakistan, mere rumours of extended missile range are labelled a global threat.
Pakistan has not conducted any missile tests. Yet the response is one of alarm. Some believe India is using this moment — following recent failures — to reshape its defence strategy. Simply put, these reports are not based on facts, but on fear and panic.
