SOURCE: AFI
In recent years, India’s rise as a global economic and geopolitical player has been accompanied by intense scrutiny from Western media. From allegations of human rights abuses to criticisms of its democratic institutions, the coverage often paints India in a negative light. But is there more to this narrative than meets the eye? Former Indian Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, suggested in a conversation with The Statesman Talk that commercial interests, particularly in the aerospace sector, could be fueling some of these biases. Specifically, he pointed to Western media targeting India’s indigenous aircraft, hinting at a possible motive: competition in global markets.
India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, exemplified by initiatives like Make in India, has led to significant advancements in its aerospace industry. The development of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas, a lightweight multirole fighter jet, has been a flagship achievement. Designed to compete with global counterparts like the French Rafale, American F-16, and Swedish Gripen, the Tejas represents India’s ambition to capture a share of the lucrative global defense market.
However, as India’s aerospace capabilities grow, so does the competition with established Western players. Ambassador Ashraf’s remarks suggest that the negative media narratives surrounding India may not be entirely divorced from these commercial rivalries. He specifically noted that Western media criticism often zeroes in on one aircraft—likely the Tejas—because “they see a competition from that aircraft for different markets.”
The idea that commercial interests influence media narratives is not new. Western media outlets, while often independent, operate within ecosystems shaped by corporate and geopolitical interests. Defense industries in the United States, France, and other Western nations are multibillion-dollar enterprises with significant influence over policy and public perception. These industries rely on exports to sustain their profitability, and emerging competitors like India threaten their dominance.
The Tejas, for instance, is not just a symbol of India’s technological prowess but a potential disruptor in the global arms market. Priced significantly lower than its Western counterparts, it offers cost-effective performance, making it attractive to developing nations. Countries in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, which traditionally rely on Western or Russian suppliers, are potential markets for the Tejas. This shift could erode the market share of established players, prompting a defensive response.
Could this explain the Western media’s focus on India’s perceived shortcomings? By amplifying narratives of instability, authoritarianism, or technological inadequacy, media outlets may indirectly undermine confidence in India’s defense products. Such coverage could sway potential buyers, reinforcing the perception that Western alternatives are superior.
While direct evidence linking media narratives to commercial interests is hard to pin down, patterns in coverage raise questions. For example, Western media often scrutinizes India’s defense acquisitions and indigenous programs with a critical lens. Reports on the Tejas have occasionally highlighted developmental delays or technical challenges while downplaying its successes, such as its operational deployment or export potential. In contrast, Western aircraft like the Rafale or F-35 are often portrayed as cutting-edge, despite their own histories of cost overruns and technical issues.
Moreover, India’s broader defense partnerships have faced media backlash. When India opted for Russian S-400 missile systems or pursued joint ventures with non-Western nations, Western outlets frequently framed these decisions as strategic missteps or evidence of India’s unreliability as a partner. Such narratives align with the interests of Western defense firms seeking to secure contracts with India, one of the world’s largest arms importers.
Ambassador Ashraf’s comments also point to a specific incident: the targeting of an Indian aircraft in media narratives. While he did not explicitly name the Tejas, the context suggests it as the likely candidate. The aircraft has been pitched to countries like Malaysia and Sri Lanka, directly challenging Western competitors. Negative coverage could serve as a soft power tool to dissuade potential buyers, reinforcing the idea that India’s products are inferior.
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