The viral video claiming that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised Pakistan for its reported mediation in the US-Iran conflict has been identified as a deepfake. The clip circulated widely on social media, purportedly showing Tharoor making statements critical of the Indian government’s handling of foreign relations.

In the video, Tharoor allegedly comments on a tweet from former US President Donald Trump, expressing shock that Pakistan played a pivotal role in resolving the Iranian conflict. The statements attributed to him have since raised multiple concerns regarding their authenticity, leading to a significant backlash.

Fact-Checking Process and Findings

An investigation by India Today Fact Check revealed discrepancies in the video content. A thorough search revealed a legitimate interview featuring Tharoor dated December 26, 2025, on India Today’s YouTube channel. The attire of Tharoor and the background in that interview matched the viral clip, indicating some visual manipulation.

However, the exact quotes attributed to Tharoor in the viral video were absent from the original interview. During the real interview, he discussed various global issues but did not address Pakistan or the Iranian war as portrayed in the deepfake. This misrepresentation of context reinforces the concerns surrounding deepfake technology misuse.

Further analysis of the audio through the Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector suggested that the voice used in the video was likely synthetic. This technical assessment pointed to a deliberate effort to mislead viewers about Tharoor’s comments on diplomatic affairs.

Tharoor’s Response and Previous Incidents

On April 9, 2026, Tharoor took to social media platform X to address the issue directly. He acknowledged the existence of several deepfake videos misrepresenting his statements, affirming that the comments depicted were fabricated. His office also confirmed the video’s deepfake status, further clarifying the situation.

This incident is not isolated, as India Today Fact Check has previously debunked two other deepfake videos featuring Tharoor. One depicted him commending Pakistan’s cricket achievements, while the other showcased him lauding the nation’s diplomatic efforts. These repeated occurrences highlight a concerning trend in the manipulation of public figures’ statements through technology.

While deepfake technology can create realistic audio and video content, it raises significant ethical and legal questions. The case of Tharoor serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying information before sharing, especially regarding contentious political issues.

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