Several Indian media outlets have published reports claiming that Pakistan is building a long-range missile.
These reports include India Today, Times of India, Hindustan Times, Economic Times, CNBC TV18, Firstpost, Times Now, and others.
All of them cite a single source: a recent article in Foreign Affairs magazine.
The article was written by Vipin Narang and Pranay Vaddi. Both authors are linked to U.S. nuclear policy.
Narang was a former official under the Biden administration. Vaddi works at the Brookings Institution.
The article discusses global nuclear threats. It focuses mainly on China and Russia. Pakistan is mentioned only once in the article.
There is no satellite data, no missile test, and no official U.S. statement about a Pakistani missile program.
Indian media picked a single paragraph from the article. They turned it into front-page news. No evidence is provided.
The original article argues for more U.S. warheads, not about Pakistan’s current capabilities.
This reporting method is called narrative laundering. It starts with speculation. Then it becomes a so-called “assessment.” That is turned into panic.
Finally, it is used to push for new military partnerships.
India’s own long-range missiles, like Agni-V, have faced little criticism. Israel’s Jericho-3 missile also receives praise. But a rumoured upgrade in Pakistan’s missile range is now being called a global threat.
No Pakistani missile has been tested. But the reaction shows concern. Some believe India wants to use this moment to rebuild its defense image after recent setbacks.
In simple terms, the reports are not based on facts. They are based on fear and spin.
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