India-Pakistan Conflict: CNN denies it made viral infographic showing Indian side suffered more losses

A CNN infographic comparing the military losses suffered by India and Pakistan in the recent conflict between the two is being widely circulated. The graphic has specific numbers that indicate India lost far more jets, drones, air defence systems, as well as civilians and soldiers, than Pakistan. Those sharing this also suggest that international media outlets’ reportage indicated Pakistan had an upper hand in the skirmishes.

The latest India-Pakistan conflict has been triggered by the killing of 26 civilians in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. The attack was linked to terror groups based in Pakistan. A fortnight after this, Indian defence forces launched military strikes (named Operation Sindoor) at terror sites in the neighbouring country. While India maintains that these strikes only target terror camps and not military bases, the Pakistan armed forces retaliated firmly. Since early hours on May 7, when Operation Sindoor was launched, heavy shelling has rocked the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Drones and jets too have been sighted. Both countries have said they inflicted more damage than they suffered, without specifying details. In this context, the graphic is being used to suggest it was Pakistan that managed to overpower India.

The graphic was shared by several X users such as @zhao_dashuai, @FM1947PAK, @Defence_PK99 and @_FaridKhan, among others, many of whom are likely based in Pakistan since their accounts are withheld in India. Screenshots added below:

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It was shared on other social media platforms too.

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Fact Check

First, we performed a reverse image search to look for the source on the CNN website, but found none. We also tried several keyword searches based on the text of the graphic, but that too did not lead us to any credible reports by CNN or other outlets.

We also noticed that the graphic did not attribute the source of the information and that Gujarat was spelt wrong. The source was crucial in this case because the defence forces of both countries have categorically not given specific details regarding losses of jets and drones.

Alt News then reached out to CNN. A spokesperson said, “The image is fabricated. CNN at no point reported this information.”

Additionally, the fact-checking unit of India’s Press Information Bureau also called the graphic fake.

🚨An infographic is doing the rounds on social media with @CNN‘s logo#PIBFactCheck

✅This infographic is #fake and part of the propaganda campaign.

✅#CNN never ran any such story or infographic comparing losses #IndiafightsPropaganda pic.twitter.com/srlYVUf3Xu

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) May 12, 2025

To sum up, social media users, many from Pakistan, shared a fabricated CNN graphic claiming that India suffered far greater losses than Pakistan in the recent conflict. CNN has denied that it published any such infographic.