India blocks Chinese, Turkish news outlets on X over ‘Pakistani propaganda’

The Indian government extended its digital censorship measures, blocking access to Chinese state-run media outlets Global Times and Xinhua News Agency, as well as Turkish broadcaster TRT,  to shield itself from growing international embarassment.

Authorities justified the move by accusing the outlets of spreading “disinformation” and “Pakistani propaganda,” particularly regarding reports that Pakistani forces had downed Indian Rafale jets during the recent escalation.

Indian officials claimed that Global Times and Xinhua are affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and were involved in disseminating “fake information” about India’s military losses.

Check: India blocks over 8,000 X accounts after anti-Pakistan agenda exposed

Earlier, the Indian Embassy in Beijing had publicly criticised Global Times for allegedly publishing false reports, advising the outlet to adhere to journalistic standards.

India restricts Turkish outlet TRT World on X over content concerns, and blocks Chinese state media accounts Xinhua News Agency and Global Times pic.twitter.com/TqUXuZL2Ma

— RT (@RT_com) May 14, 2025

The embassy posted on X, “Dear Global Times News, we would recommend you verify your facts and cross-examine your sources before pushing out this kind of disinformation.”

It further added, “Several pro-Pakistan handles are spreading baseless claims in the context of #OperationSindoor, attempting to mislead the public. When media outlets share such information without verifying sources, it reflects a serious lapse in responsibility and journalistic ethics.”

As Pakistan's regional allies voiced strong support during its conflict with India, several Indian travel booking platforms responded by announcing boycotts of travel to Turkiye, China, and Azerbaijan.