In a rare and candid critique from within India’s own military establishment, retired Indian Major General Yash Mor has openly questioned the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, while also exposing the irresponsible role of the Indian media during the recent India-Pakistan war. His comments, widely circulated in independent forums and alternative media platforms, stand in stark contrast to the official narratives being promoted within India.

Pakistan’s Global Standing Remained Untarnished

General Mor acknowledged that rather than being diplomatically isolated, Pakistan’s credibility and prestige actually increased after the conflict. “After the war, the stature of Pakistan’s Army Chief and the Pakistani military as a whole went up,” he stated. He pointed out that even former U.S. President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Pakistan’s Army Chief, underlining the respect Pakistan retained on the global stage.

He further highlighted that no country in the world raised questions against Pakistan, despite India’s attempts to frame the narrative otherwise. This admission, coming from a former Indian general, is striking because it undermines the Modi government’s claim that Pakistan had been cornered internationally.

How Long Can India Live in Hostility?

In his sharp remarks directed at New Delhi, General Mor asked a fundamental question: “How long can India remain in a state of hostility with its neighbors?” He criticized the government’s policies of constant confrontation, arguing that perpetual enmity with Pakistan and other regional countries is neither sustainable nor beneficial for India’s future.

Scathing Criticism of Indian Media

Perhaps the harshest portion of his critique was reserved for the Indian media, which, according to Mor, played an extremely negative role during the war. He accused television channels and digital platforms of openly lying, spreading misinformation, and indulging in warmongering without accountability.

“During the war, Indian media told blatant lies. They claimed things like reaching Islamabad or setting Karachi on fire. These were not just exaggerations, they were shameless fabrications,” General Mor said. He lamented that no regulatory authority stepped in to stop these falsehoods, leaving the public exposed to propaganda rather than facts.

He also questioned the conduct of so-called celebrities and YouTubers in India, who used reckless and inflammatory language during the war. “Did anyone notice the kind of language used by our so-called influencers? This was nothing short of disgraceful,” he remarked.

Media Turned Into a Source of “Trash”

According to General Mor, the war revealed the bankruptcy of Indian media ethics. Instead of acting as an institution of accountability and truth, the media became a circus of jingoism and false narratives. “What the Indian media showed during the war was nothing but garbage. The media exposed itself as hollow and nonsensical,” he asserted.

He added that during the conflict, neither international observers nor ordinary citizens took Indian media seriously. The barrage of fake news, exaggerated claims, and irresponsible commentary ensured that credibility was lost. As a result, global audiences dismissed Indian media reports as unreliable, further damaging India’s image internationally.

Modi Government’s Responsibility

While criticizing the media, General Mor did not spare the Modi government either. He suggested that the government’s aggressive approach not only escalated tensions with Pakistan but also created an environment in which lies and propaganda thrived unchecked. Instead of focusing on diplomacy or conflict resolution, the government allowed media sensationalism to shape public opinion.

He argued that such policies only serve to isolate India and damage its credibility, both regionally and globally. By contrast, Pakistan’s steady diplomatic posture during and after the war helped it avoid criticism and even gain international recognition.

The Question of Sustainability

General Mor’s comments raise broader questions about the sustainability of India’s current strategic approach. Can a nation of over a billion people afford to remain locked in hostility with its neighbors indefinitely? What are the economic, diplomatic, and social costs of such an approach? These are questions the retired general believes India’s policymakers must confront honestly.

He emphasized that constant warfare — whether military, diplomatic, or through media narratives — prevents South Asia from realizing its true potential. Instead of focusing on development, education, and poverty reduction, resources are being wasted on conflict and propaganda.

Lessons from the Pakistan-India Conflict

The retired general’s candid remarks also serve as a lesson about the role of media in modern warfare. In an era of instant communication and social media, credibility is everything. When Indian media filled the airwaves with exaggerated claims of victories and fabricated stories, it undermined not just its own reputation but also the credibility of the Indian state.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s relatively restrained communication strategy allowed it to project itself as more disciplined and reliable. The fact that world powers continued to engage with Pakistan diplomatically — including invitations from Washington — was proof of this.

Conclusion

Major General Yash Mor’s outspoken comments represent a rare moment of introspection from within India’s military establishment. His acknowledgment that Pakistan emerged stronger after the conflict, while India’s media and government lost credibility, is a stark reminder of the dangers of propaganda-driven politics.

By criticizing both the Modi government and the Indian media, he has highlighted the urgent need for India to rethink its policies toward Pakistan and its neighbors. His central question remains unanswered: “How long can India live in a state of hostility?”

Unless New Delhi shifts from confrontation to cooperation, General Mor’s warning suggests that India risks further international isolation, while Pakistan — once the target of blame — may continue to strengthen its global standing.