The Iranian Embassy in India has issued a public alert regarding the proliferation of fake social media accounts that are disseminating misinformation with the intention of harming the relationship between Iran and India. In a statement released on social media platform X, the embassy explicitly stated that these accounts do not belong to Iran and are being used to spread false information.
The embassy shared images of fake accounts and posts as evidence. One depicted a fabricated post from a fake account impersonating the Ministry of Defence in Iran, falsely claiming that Iranian authorities were "reconsidering" the Chabahar Port agreement with India. The Iranian Embassy clearly labeled the image with "Fake News, Fake Account" in red. Some of these fake profiles even had blue verification ticks, further misleading users about their authenticity. Investigations suggest that some of these accounts originate from Pakistan.
This warning comes amidst growing concerns about digital misinformation campaigns targeting diplomatic relations in the region. The embassy has urged the public and media to verify information through official sources and reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with India.
India and Iran share a long history of interactions. According to indianembassytehran.gov.in, the contemporary relationship builds upon these historical ties and continues to grow stronger through high-level exchanges, commercial and connectivity cooperation, cultural connections, and robust people-to-people ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran in May 2016, and in October 2024, he met with President Masoud Pezeshkian in Kazan, Russia, to discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The Iranian Embassy's statement underscores the importance of vigilance against online disinformation, especially when it concerns sensitive diplomatic matters. The embassy's proactive approach in identifying and exposing these fake accounts demonstrates a commitment to maintaining transparent and accurate communication, safeguarding the strong relationship between Iran and India from being undermined by malicious actors.
