ISLAMABAD: As Islamabad has become a global centre of attraction amid high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran, some Indian media outlets have come under fire for promoting misleading narratives rather than acknowledging Pakistan’s growing diplomatic role in efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
A US team headed by Vice President JD Vance and an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have arrived in Pakistan to participate in high-stakes peace talks.
The negotiations come in the wake of a two-week ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump following weeks of intense conflict, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
However, Indian TV channels, under the influence of their ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, continued to promote misleading narratives critical of Islamabad, prompting widespread criticism.
Officials in New Delhi have watched with caution as US President Donald Trump and other global leaders broadly welcomed Islamabad’s diplomatic role, endorsing its efforts to de-escalate tensions and facilitate negotiations aimed at achieving lasting peace.
Meanwhile, short video clips circulating on social media have captured moments in which Indian television anchors are challenged by foreign analysts and diplomats, with several exchanges quickly going viral across social media platforms.
In one such instance, controversial anchor Arnab Goswami questioned China-based international affairs expert Victor Gao on developments surrounding the ceasefire.
Chinese analyst Dr. Victor Gao decides to send Arnab Goswami home the moment he gave him the mic,
Arnab shocked, Victory Gao rocked 🇵🇰🔥🇨🇳 pic.twitter.com/4Y8jmo4IPo
— Abdul Rehman (@Aliwala72) April 11, 2026
In response, Gao credited Pakistan for helping facilitate the negotiations and fostering an environment conducive to dialogue. His remarks, however, appeared to upset the anchor, who interrupted him before he could expand further.
A similar narrative was broadcast by India Today, where an anchor—citing Israeli sources—claimed that US Vice President JD Vance might not proceed to Pakistan and could instead turn back mid-journey to return to the United States.
Indian media claims that JD Vance’s flight will return to the US and will not come to Pakistan for Islamabad talks. Indian media is a joke! pic.twitter.com/Uid9zqr29Q
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) April 10, 2026
In another widely shared exchange, US diplomat Jeffrey Gunter firmly dismissed concerns raised by an Indian anchor regarding Vice President Vance’s safety during his visit to Pakistan. Adding to the controversy, Times Now anchor Madhavdas G suggested that President Trump was “actually scared” about Vance’s personal security in the country.
This is embarrassing to say the leastpic.twitter.com/ZW5ruClRRF
— Rana Ayyub (@RanaAyyub) April 11, 2026
Rejecting such claims, Gunter reminded the panel that unfounded speculation risks reducing serious diplomatic engagement into what he described as an embarrassing “Pakistan-versus-India circus.”
“This is Times Now, one of the most esteemed stations in all of India, and you all look like a bunch of school children right now squabbling over things,” Gunter said.
He continued, remarking, “I feel like a schoolteacher about to discipline each of you,” as he warned the panel that he would metaphorically place them “in the corner” with “a hat on” for 30 minutes of detention.
He further stressed that turning the issue into a bilateral dispute was inappropriate and undermined the seriousness of the matter, reflecting poorly on the overall discussion.
