Amid escalating cross-border tensions, the Ministry of Defence has urged all media outlets, digital platforms, and individuals to avoid live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and troop movements. In an advisory posted on social media platform X, the ministry cautioned that premature disclosure of sensitive information could jeopardise operational success and put lives at risk.
All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardize operational effectiveness and…
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) May 9, 2025
“All media channels, digital platforms and individuals are advised to refrain from live coverage or real-time reporting of defence operations and movement of security forces. Disclosure of such sensitive or source-based information may jeopardise operational effectiveness and endanger lives,” the ministry posted.
It further emphasised that incidents like the Kargil War, the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, and the Kandahar hijacking have highlighted the risks posed by premature or real-time reporting during sensitive operations.
The ministry underscored that during anti-terror operations, only scheduled briefings by authorised officials are permitted, as per Clause 6(1)(p) of the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021. These rules strictly ban live coverage of such operations and mandate that updates be issued solely through designated government representatives.
The advisory urged all stakeholders to act with vigilance, sensitivity, and a sense of duty, maintaining the highest standards in national interest. Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) had issued a directive reminding media outlets and individuals of their legal and ethical obligations. It stated that no real-time coverage, visual dissemination, or reporting based on “source-based” information regarding defence operations or troop movements should be carried out, warning that such actions could aid hostile forces and endanger the safety of security personnel.
The advisory was issued amid escalating tensions with Pakistan. On May 9, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led a high-level security review after Pakistan’s attempted drone and missile strike targeting Indian military sites. Earlier this week, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, hitting nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
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