An international security think tank has warned that artificial intelligence–generated misinformation significantly heightened the risk of escalation during the 2025 India–Pakistan tensions, potentially pushing the two nuclear-armed neighbours toward a direct nuclear confrontation.

The warning was issued by the Sweden-based Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) in a recent research note titled Addressing Multi-Domain Nuclear Escalation Risk, published on its official website on Tuesday.

According to the report, AI-generated fake videos, images, and misleading narratives distorted public and strategic understanding of the conflict situation during the prolonged standoff between India and Pakistan in 2025. SIPRI cautioned that such disinformation could have amplified misperceptions, increasing the likelihood of miscalculation in an already volatile environment.

The think tank noted that the crisis could have escalated into a broader and more sustained conflict, with the possibility of nuclear escalation not entirely ruled out. It emphasized that in conflicts involving nuclear-armed states, inaccurate or manipulated information can have far-reaching consequences, as strategic decisions are often made under severe time pressure.

SIPRI further warned that AI-driven disinformation campaigns are likely to become more dangerous in the future. As artificial intelligence tools grow more sophisticated and accessible, they could be used to deliberately obscure ground realities, influence public opinion, and shape the strategic responses of governments.

Examining the spread of false content during Operation Sindoor, the report described the information landscape as highly sensationalized. Claims of military success and territorial gains by both sides were circulated widely, including through AI-generated visuals that were at times carried by mainstream media outlets.

The report concludes that managing the risks posed by AI-enabled misinformation must become a central component of nuclear risk reduction strategies, as the line between information warfare and real-world escalation continues to blur.