Fact Check: PM Modi admits Delhi blast was a false flag operation? No, video is manipulated

In the context of the Delhi blast that occurred in the vicinity of the Red Fort on November 10, a video allegedly showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi admitting that the explosion in the capital was a false flag operation has been circulating on social media.

In the video, the PM can allegedly be heard saying, “We accept that what happened in Delhi. This incident is not just an event but a sign of the failure and insecurity of our institutions. We also believe that real justice is that which appears demonstrative, impartial, and timely. But you should also understand our situation. We are also helpless. For the loss we have suffered in Operation Sandoor, to respond to it, there is a need for more such false flags, and for that, the public has to make more sacrifices.”

Sharing the video, an X user wrote, “Narendra Modi has finally admitted his failures. Describing the Delhi blast as a result of India’s internal weaknesses, he also acknowledged the loss caused by his failed army in Operation Sindoor and hinted at new false flag operations.” (Translated from Urdu) (Archive)

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false, as the video has been manipulated.

Inconsistencies in the video

We identified that the PM’s voice does not match his natural voice. Also, the tone, pace, and pauses do not align with PM Modi’s natural speech delivery. We also observed abnormal lip movements and a forced attempt at lip-syncing.

Source of the video

A reverse image search of the video's keyframe led us to a nineteen-minute speech by PM Modi, livestreamed on his official YouTube channel on November 11, titled “PM Modi's address at Changlimethang Celebration Ground in Thimphu.”

During his visit to Bhutan, PM Modi addressed an event in Thimphu to mark the 70th birth anniversary of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. He extended greetings to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the current King (Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck), and the Bhutanese Prime Minister.

He spoke of the deep spiritual and cultural ties between India and Bhutan, emphasising that the relationship is built on “values, emotions, peace, and progress.”

We listened to the complete speech but did not find him admitting to institutional failures or the Delhi blast as a false flag operation. Rather, we found him saying that he arrived in Bhutan “with a heavy heart” because a “horrific incident” had occurred in Delhi. He said Indian agencies will get to the bottom of the conspiracy and bring all those responsible to justice.

We also found a Press Information Bureau (PIB) press release published on November 11, detailing the Prime Minister's visit to Bhutan and his speech marking the 70th birth anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan. The release makes no mention of the PM admitting to internal weakness or a false flag operation.

PIB clarification

The fact-check wing of PIB from its official X handle clarified that Pro-Pakistani handles are circulating an AI-generated video of PM Modi. The clarification also stated that the PM has not made any such statement on the Delhi blast as a false flag operation.

NewsMeter extracted the audio from the video and subjected it to analysis using AI-detection tools, which did not yield conclusive results. However, based on the visual inconsistencies identified in the video and traced to the original footage, we conclude that the video has been manipulated through the addition of external audio.