Did Putin Label Pakistan a Terrorist Country? No, Viral Video Is A Deepfake

Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack and the subsequent Indian military action named “Operation Sindoor,” a video has surfaced on social media purportedly showing Russian President Vladimir Putin making strong remarks in support of India. In a widely circulated video, President Putin is heard speaking in English, stating, “Pakistan is a terrorist country, and my friend, Indian President Narendra Modi, is strong enough to handle them. I am always with the people of India.” Posting that video on social media, several users claimed that Putin is ready to go to war with Pakistan in support of India. (Archive Link)

Fact Check/ Verification

At first, we searched the internet using keywords such as “Putin,” “terrorist state,” and “Pakistan.” We found no credible news reports or official statements to substantiate the claims being made in the viral posts or the video.

We then conducted a reverse image search on the key frames of the viral video and found that the same video was uploaded on the official YouTube channel of NBC News, dated June 15, 2021, titled “Exclusive: Full Interview With Russian President Vladimir Putin.” In the one-and-a-half-hour interview, given by Russian President Vladimir Putin to NBC News’ senior international correspondent Keir Simmons, was not heard to make any comments about Narendra Modi or Pakistan.

These findings suggest that the viral video could potentially be a deepfake.

An analysis of the viral video’s audio using the Resemble.ai tool has confirmed that the voice is artificially generated and not authentic.

However, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the Russian President conveyed his condolences to the President and Prime Minister of India through an official letter and also assured India of Russia’s support in its fight against terrorism.

Thus we find that the viral video of Russian President Vladimir Putin supporting India and hitting out against Pakistan is not real, but a deepfake video.

Sources
Video by NBC News, dated June 15, 2021
Resemble.ai tool