AI Could Have Triggered India-Pakistan Nuclear War, SIPRI Warns

Stockholm: The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has warned that artificial intelligence (AI)–generated misinformation could have brought India and Pakistan to the brink of nuclear war last May. In a report titled “Multi-Domain Nuclear Escalation Risk”, SIPRI analyzed recent conflicts, including India-Pakistan tensions, Israeli operations linked to Iran, and the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting the role of AI in escalating crises.

AI-Fueled Misinformation and “Operation Sindoor”

According to the report, AI-generated videos and images were circulated across mainstream media in both India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, creating a “carnival of sensationalism.” The false content exaggerated military successes and spread fabricated narratives, significantly influencing perceptions on the ground. SIPRI cautioned that such campaigns could disrupt strategic calculations in nuclear-armed nations and escalate a localized crisis into full-scale conflict.

Potential for Direct Nuclear Confrontation

SIPRI stated that the AI-driven misinformation had the potential to convert the May 2025 India-Pakistan crisis into a major confrontation, possibly leading to direct nuclear engagement between the two neighbors. The report emphasizes that AI-powered information warfare can distort battlefield realities, creating risks far exceeding the actual situation.

Official Responses

Despite SIPRI’s warnings, both Indian and Pakistani military officials have downplayed the likelihood of nuclear conflict. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi noted on January 13 that during recent telephonic discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries, no nuclear threats were raised. He clarified, “Any nuclear rhetoric observed was from political leadership, not the military.”

A Wake-Up Call for AI in Conflict Zones

SIPRI’s analysis underscores the growing danger of AI-enabled misinformation in escalating geopolitical crises. The report warns that without careful monitoring and verification, AI-generated content could unintentionally push nuclear-armed nations toward catastrophic decisions, demonstrating the urgent need for international frameworks to manage AI in warfare.