In a major embarrassment for Pakistan, the French Navy has publicly dismissed false claims circulated by Pakistani news channel Geo TV regarding India’s Operation Sindoor. The controversy erupted after Geo TV published an article on November 21 alleging that a French naval officer had confirmed that Indian Rafale jets were shot down during the operation.
The French Navy issued a firm and detailed rebuttal on its official X account, calling the report “misinformation and disinformation.” According to France, the outlet not only fabricated statements but also misidentified the officer involved. Geo TV claimed the comments were made by a “Jacques Launay,” while the actual officer is Captain Yvan Launay — who never made such remarks, nor did he consent to any publication.
Geo TV had sensationally asserted that the Pakistan Air Force outperformed the Indian Air Force during the May 6–7 confrontation, with claims that Indian Rafales were downed and that Pakistan benefited from Chinese support. The French Navy categorically denied all such claims, asserting that the statements attributed to Captain Launay were entirely fabricated.
The incident highlights a serious breach of journalistic ethics as well as a strategic disinformation attempt aimed at reshaping the narrative around Operation Sindoor — India’s retaliatory air strikes against Pakistan-backed terrorist camps following the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.
France’s sharp public response has exposed the story as baseless, leaving Pakistan’s propaganda machinery facing international scrutiny and ridicule.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
