MEA Exposes Viral Fake Letter on Rafale Deal as Misinformation

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially dismissed a viral letter circulating on social media regarding India’s Rafale fighter jet deal as fabricated, emphasizing the importance of relying on verified information and curbing the spread of disinformation. The letter, which claimed to be from India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, suggested that sensitive details about the Rafale deal were leaked, allegedly causing difficulties in India-France diplomatic communications.

The fake letter was posted by an X account named ‘Discourse Lab,' which claimed that Delhi is struggling to contain leaked information related to the Rafale deal.(X/Representational Image) | Hindustan Times

The Fake Letter and Its Claims

The fraudulent document, which emerged on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), purportedly dated November 26, 2025, was addressed to French Ambassador Thierry Mathou. It alleged that New Delhi was struggling to contain the fallout from leaked communications regarding the delivery schedule of the Rafale naval aircraft. The letter included a forged signature attributed to Dr. Jaishankar and was widely shared, creating confusion among the public.

The MEA responded swiftly through its official channels, stating, “The letter being referred to in this post is fake. Always stay alert against disinformation.” The ministry urged citizens to rely exclusively on authentic government sources for accurate updates.

Context: The Rafale Deal and India-France Defence Ties

The Rafale fighter jet programme is a cornerstone of India’s defence modernization strategy and a key component of the India-France strategic partnership. India initially procured 36 Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation under a ₹59,000 crore agreement signed in 2016. These aircraft significantly enhanced India’s air combat capabilities.

In April 2025, India expanded this procurement by signing a ₹63,000 crore contract for 26 Rafale-M naval variants, specially designed for operations aboard aircraft carriers such as INS Vikrant. This addition complements the existing MiG-29K naval fleet, further strengthening India’s maritime air power and expanding the total Rafale inventory to 62 jets.

Misinformation in the Digital Age

The circulation of the fake Jaishankar letter underscores the persistent challenge of misinformation, particularly surrounding sensitive government actions and defence procurements. High-profile agreements, like the Rafale deal, often attract attention and can be exploited to create controversy or confusion. The rapid spread of fabricated content highlights the necessity of critical evaluation and reliance on credible sources.

Media organizations and fact-checking agencies have repeatedly debunked other Rafale-related misinformation in recent years, emphasizing the importance of discerning accurate information from fabricated claims. The MEA’s quick clarification exemplifies the government’s proactive stance in combating false narratives.

The MGMM Outlook

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has debunked a viral letter falsely attributed to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar concerning India’s Rafale fighter jet deal, clarifying that the document circulating on social media is entirely fabricated. The fake letter, allegedly addressed to French Ambassador Thierry Mathou, claimed that sensitive details of the Rafale contract were leaked, causing diplomatic complications. With a forged signature and false claims, the document quickly spread online, prompting the MEA to urge citizens to rely only on verified government sources and remain vigilant against disinformation. This swift response highlights the increasing need for critical scrutiny in the digital age, where misinformation can quickly create public confusion.

The episode also sheds light on the strategic importance of the Rafale programme for India’s defence and India-France relations. Since the initial acquisition of 36 jets in 2016, India has expanded its fleet with 26 Rafale-M naval aircraft under a ₹63,000 crore deal in 2025, enhancing both aerial and maritime combat capabilities. While the Rafale deals continue to strengthen India’s defence modernization and bilateral cooperation with France, the circulation of fabricated letters demonstrates how sensitive defence procurements are often targeted in attempts to mislead public discourse. Prompt verification and reliance on credible sources remain essential to maintaining clarity and trust in such matters.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, Business Standard)