The Hindu’ has long been recognized as an anti-Bharat media outlet. Both the publication and its journalists have repeatedly come under fire for publishing content that is not only openly hostile to India but also alarmingly aligned with China’s strategic interests. Over the years, the newspaper has solidified its reputation as a consistent mouthpiece for narratives that undermine India’s sovereignty, national security, and internal stability. Whether it’s border tensions, defense matters, or domestic policies, ‘The Hindu’ has habitually echoed adversarial positions—often mirroring China’s geopolitical agenda.
What makes this more dangerous is the blind and enthusiastic backing the paper receives from India’s liberal-left ecosystem. Despite clear evidence of its anti-national slant, this ideological cabal continues to defend and legitimize ‘The Hindu,’ enabling it to carry out its divisive agenda unchecked. Their uncritical support has only emboldened the newspaper to intensify its campaign against India’s national interest.
To expose this agenda, a comprehensive report has been compiled, highlighting 32 documented instances where ‘The Hindu’ has either directly supported China’s position or published content that attacks India’s armed forces, democratic institutions, and sovereignty. These cases offer undeniable proof of a deliberate, sustained effort to mislead the public and weaken the nation from within.
#1 The Hindu Publishes Distorted India Map Omitting Sikkim, Faces Backlash, Issues Apology Later
In a glaring and controversial oversight, The Hindu published a map of India that completely omitted the state of Sikkim in its 13 May 2025 edition. The map accompanied an article titled “With a New Pope, an Understanding of Catholicism in India” and appeared in the newspaper’s Data Point section. The state’s boundaries were missing, effectively erasing Sikkim from the national map.
Following a wave of public backlash and criticism over this “grave error,” The Hindu issued an official apology the next day, on 14 May 2025. The editorial team acknowledged the mistake and attempted to downplay the incident as a technical glitch. Their corrigendum read, “Due to a data input error, the India map in the article, ‘With a New Pope, an Understanding of Catholicism in India’, which appeared in the Data Point section on May 13, 2025, was incorrectly presented with the contours of Sikkim State being shaded out. We apologise for the error. The map and the references have been removed from the story online and corrected in our e-paper editions.” — The Editor.
Despite the correction, the incident added to growing concerns about The Hindu’s editorial integrity and its recurring tendency to mishandle sensitive national subjects, reinforcing its image as a publication pushing questionable narratives under the guise of journalism.
#2 The Hindu Spreads False Report on Crash of Three Indian Fighter Jets
On 7 May 2025, The Hindu published a misleading report falsely claiming that three Indian Air Force aircraft had crashed in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir — specifically in Akhnoor, Ramban, and Pampore. The report included photographs to support the claim, suggesting that the debris belonged to downed jets.
However, the images used by The Hindu were later revealed to be misleading — the so-called “crashed jets” were actually external fuel tanks, not aircraft wreckage. The publication failed to verify basic facts before running the story, leading to widespread confusion and panic.
Once the false claim was exposed, The Hindu quietly deleted the article from its platform and issued a weak clarification, merely expressing “regret” for the confusion caused.
This incident further solidified The Hindu’s growing reputation as a purveyor of unchecked and irresponsible journalism — a media house increasingly accused of spreading misinformation, especially when it involves India’s defense and security matters.
#3 Hindu Echoes Chinese Talking Points on BRI Deal with Nepal
On 4 December 2024, The Hindu published an article that openly praised China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) following the signing of a cooperation framework between Nepal and China. Instead of offering a critical or balanced perspective, the piece amplified pro-China narratives, portraying the BRI as a game-changing opportunity for Nepal’s economic development.
The article highlighted supposed benefits of the BRI, including improved infrastructure and regional connectivity, while praising China’s influence in Nepal—particularly under the leadership of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, known for his Beijing-friendly stance. It even echoed the Chinese propaganda line that BRI could help transform Nepal from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” nation.
By uncritically promoting China’s strategic initiative—which many countries and experts have criticized as a debt-trap diplomacy tool—The Hindu once again demonstrated its inclination to align with China’s geopolitical agenda, further fueling concerns about its editorial loyalties and its role in shaping public opinion in favor of foreign interests.
#4 The Hindu Echoes Beijing’s Narrative on U.S. Sanctions Against China’s Chip Industry
On 3 December 2024, The Hindu published a report covering new U.S. sanctions targeting China’s semiconductor sector. Rather than providing a balanced analysis, the article leaned heavily in favor of China’s narrative, portraying Beijing as a resilient and technologically advancing nation unfairly targeted by Washington.
The report downplayed the strategic and security rationale behind the U.S. restrictions and instead framed American actions as unjustified aggression, painting China as a victim. The Hindu’s coverage praised China’s progress in chip technology and positioned it as bravely resisting Western pressure.
This framing is yet another example of The Hindu’s increasingly pro-China editorial stance, where it amplifies Chinese state talking points and casts suspicion on democratic nations, especially when their policies challenge Beijing’s expansionist or technological ambitions.
#5 The Hindu Glorifies Chinese Military Power After Warship Display in Hong Kong
On 21 November 2024, China showcased its growing naval strength by docking its advanced amphibious assault ship Hainan in Hong Kong—a move widely interpreted as a demonstration of Beijing’s military assertiveness and strategic signaling.
Rather than offering a critical or balanced view, The Hindu, in its article published the next day, amplified Chinese propaganda, framing the warship’s presence not as a threat, but as a justified act of self-defense. The report portrayed China’s military buildup as a necessary response to regional instability, downplaying concerns about Chinese aggression and expansionism.
By endorsing Beijing’s narrative and portraying its rising military power in a positive light, The Hindu once again aligned itself with China’s strategic messaging—defending the CCP’s militarization efforts under the pretense of maintaining “sovereignty” and “regional balance.” This coverage further cements The Hindu’s image as a publication sympathetic to foreign authoritarian interests over India’s strategic concerns.
#6 The Hindu Undermines India While Applauding China’s Healthcare System
On 18 November 2024, The Hindu published an article on India’s diabetes crisis that appeared to downplay India’s efforts while glorifying China’s healthcare model. Instead of focusing on India’s challenges and strategies, the piece leaned heavily toward praising China, presenting its healthcare response as a superior example.
The article suggested that China’s initiatives—such as improving healthcare access, curbing tobacco use, and increasing public awareness—were worth emulating, positioning Beijing as a global role model in diabetes control. It implied that India, in contrast, was lagging and struggling to meet the World Health Organization’s 2030 targets.
Once again, The Hindu chose to highlight China’s strengths while casting India in a negative light, subtly promoting the narrative that India should follow China’s lead—even in public health. This editorial choice reflects a pattern of undermining India’s achievements by constantly projecting China as the more competent and capable nation, thereby reinforcing the paper’s growing reputation as sympathetic to foreign agendas over national pride.
#7 The Hindu Promotes Nepal-China Alignment While Undermining India
In its 14 November 2024 coverage of Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s visit to China—his first foreign trip since taking office—The Hindu subtly endorsed Kathmandu’s growing proximity to Beijing, while downplaying India’s role in regional diplomacy.
The article emphasized Nepal’s request for a loan waiver from China for the Pokhara International Airport and drew attention to the stalled airspace negotiations with India, framing the narrative in a way that appeared sympathetic to Nepal’s pivot toward China.
#8 The Hindu Portrays India’s Foreign Policy as Weak Over U.S. Sanctions
In its 1 November 2024 article on the U.S. sanctions imposed on Indian entities for alleged links to Russia, The Hindu used the situation to implicitly criticize India’s foreign policy stance, portraying it as passive and ineffective.
The report emphasized India’s “silence” following the sanctions—despite being one of the most affected countries—as a sign of diplomatic weakness. Instead of contextualizing India’s strategic balancing between global powers, The Hindu framed the lack of a public response as a failure in asserting national interest on the global stage.
The article focused heavily on the U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to sanction nearly 400 entities, including several from India, over accusations of supplying “dual-use” technology to Russia. Yet, rather than analyzing the broader geopolitical landscape, The Hindu used the development to subtly question the Indian government’s foreign policy priorities, reinforcing a narrative that undermines India’s global diplomacy while aligning with Western criticisms.
#9 The Hindu Applauds China’s New Information Warfare Force
In its 19 April 2024 report, The Hindu commended China’s strategic move to establish a powerful new Information Support Force under President Xi Jinping, portraying it as a visionary step in modernizing China’s military infrastructure.
Rather than examining the potential global risks or regional threats posed by this expansion of China’s information warfare capabilities, the article framed the development in a positive, almost admiring tone, emphasizing the force’s role in supporting “military struggles” across all domains—cyber, space, land, sea, and air.
#10 The Hindu Portrays China’s Military Outreach in South Asia as Harmless Cooperation
In its 13 March 2024 article, The Hindu reported on a Chinese military delegation’s visits to Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, presenting the development as a benign push for regional stability and cooperation—rather than a calculated expansion of Beijing’s strategic influence in South Asia.
The article emphasized China’s “military assistance” agreement with the Maldives, framing it as part of a cooperative vision under President Mohamed Muizzu, who has openly aligned with Beijing. It also highlighted China’s defense ties with Sri Lanka and Nepal, portraying the strengthening of military relationships as positive bilateral progress.
Rather than scrutinizing the geopolitical and security risks of China’s deepening military presence in India’s immediate neighborhood, The Hindu cast these developments in a favorable light—further reinforcing its pattern of echoing Chinese strategic narratives while downplaying their consequences for India’s regional security and influence.
#11 Chinese Ambassador’s Visit to ‘The Hindu’ Headquarters Raises Eyebrows
On 1 June 2022, during a two-day trip to Tamil Nadu, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong paid a visit to the headquarters of the left-leaning English daily The Hindu. During his visit, he held a private meeting with Editor Suresh Nambath and engaged with other senior editorial staff.
The visit, which appeared more than just a courtesy call, raised serious questions about The Hindu’s proximity to Beijing. Given the publication’s editorial slant and its history of favorable coverage of Chinese interests, this interaction was widely seen as a reflection of the newspaper’s deep ideological and strategic alignment with China.
#12 The Hindu Echoes China’s Narrative on Galwan Clash
In its coverage of the deadly Galwan Valley clash, where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred in a brutal confrontation with Chinese troops, The Hindu appeared to amplify Beijing’s version of events rather than India’s official stance.
The article gave prominence to statements issued by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), which accused India of breaching prior agreements and provoking the skirmish. It went so far as to reiterate China’s claim that “the sovereignty of the Galwan Valley has always belonged to China”—a position that India categorically denies.
Instead of fairly presenting India’s viewpoint or underlining the loss suffered by Indian forces, The Hindu seemed to minimize India’s position by focusing heavily on China’s diplomatic protests and its portrayal of the incident as a defensive response. This coverage reflected a pattern of favoring adversarial narratives over national interest, even in matters of national security and territorial integrity.
#13 The Hindu Sides with Beijing in Coverage of Galwan Valley Clash
Following the violent Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2021, The Hindu published an article centered on the diplomatic fallout between India and China. Instead of presenting a balanced narrative, the report gave prominent attention to China’s official protest, in which Beijing accused Indian soldiers of crossing the Line of Actual Control (LAC) to carry out “illegal activities”, allegedly provoking the confrontation.
The article primarily reflected China’s version of events, portraying Indian actions as the trigger for the incident. This coverage echoed Beijing’s stance, framing the border clash as a reaction to Indian provocation, while downplaying India’s legitimate territorial concerns and the loss of its soldiers.
Such selective reporting again underscored The Hindu’s tendency to amplify Chinese perspectives on critical national security issues—at the cost of India’s own narrative and interests.
#14 The Hindu Echoes China’s Denial of LAC Violations in Ladakh
In its coverage of the ongoing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, The Hindu published a report that prominently amplified China’s official stance, downplaying Indian concerns over border intrusions.
The article focused on China’s rebuttal of allegations that its troops had crossed into Indian territory to obstruct an irrigation project. Instead, it highlighted Beijing’s claims that its military personnel were operating strictly within Chinese territory and reiterated their position that no side should attempt to alter the status quo unilaterally.
Rather than critically assessing these claims or reflecting India’s perspective, the piece appeared to endorse China’s narrative, portraying it as a responsible actor advocating for peace—despite repeated instances of aggression on the ground. Once again, The Hindu’s coverage leaned toward normalizing China’s rhetoric in a sensitive national security context.
#15 The Hindu Glorifies Communist China on CPC’s 100th Anniversary
On the centenary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), The Hindu, a known left-leaning outlet, published a piece that read more like praise for Beijing’s authoritarian regime than objective journalism.
The article, authored by Alka Acharya, a professor of Chinese Studies at JNU and often presented as a “China expert,” lauded the CPC under Xi Jinping, describing it as Qiang Qilai—a “rising power.” She credited the Party for effectively overcoming internal and external challenges and positioning China as a global force to reckon with.
In the piece, Acharya celebrated the CPC’s role in shedding China’s so-called “colonial mindset” and promoted the narrative of a ‘resurgent China’ ready to challenge global powers—a vision tightly aligned with Beijing’s propaganda.
That The Hindu chose to publish such a glowing endorsement of China’s totalitarian regime on a landmark occasion for the CPC raises serious concerns about the outlet’s editorial leanings and its willingness to amplify Chinese state narratives.
#16 The Hindu Runs Full-Page Chinese Advertorial Celebrating 100 Years of Communist Rule
On 1 July 2021, The Hindu published what can only be described as a glaring example of soft propaganda—a full-page advertorial paid for by the Chinese government, marking the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
This sponsored content appeared on Page 3 of the newspaper, blending seamlessly with regular editorial content, making it difficult for casual readers to recognize it as a paid promotion. However, a closer look revealed that it was clearly planted by Chinese interests, designed to celebrate the CPC’s rise and present it in a flattering light.
(Image Credit: OpIndia)
Adding to this coordinated media push, The Hindu also released a podcast discussing the CPC’s achievements, growth, and global influence—further amplifying China’s narrative through a platform widely seen as sympathetic to left-wing ideologies.
By offering its space and credibility to Beijing’s state-funded propaganda, The Hindu raised serious ethical concerns about its editorial independence and willingness to serve foreign influence under the guise of journalism.
#17 The Hindu Glorifies China’s Political Evolution Under the Communist Regime
On 26 June 2021, The Hindu published an article titled “CPC Back to the Future for China’s Communists,” authored by Ananth Krishnan. The piece paints a glowing narrative of the Communist Party of China (CPC), portraying its political transformation as a sign of strength and adaptability.
The article highlighted how the CPC has shifted from the era of collective leadership under Deng Xiaoping to a centralized, authoritarian model under Xi Jinping, which the piece describes as a revival of Mao-style strongman rule. Rather than critiquing this consolidation of power, the article frames it as a natural and effective evolution of China’s political structure.
In simple terms, the article attempts to legitimize the CPC’s increasingly autocratic governance, presenting its journey from 1921 to the present as a model of resilience and strategic leadership—downplaying the lack of political freedom, human rights concerns, and international criticism surrounding China’s regime under Xi.
Once again, The Hindu appears to champion Beijing’s narrative, raising questions about its editorial intentions and alignment with Chinese interests.
#18 The Hindu Echoes China’s Narrative on LAC Tensions; Blames India
In an article published on 11 December 2020, The Hindu took a stance that seemed to closely mirror China’s official narrative regarding the ongoing border disputes between India and China. The piece prominently featured China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, who asserted that India was solely responsible for the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The article portrayed China’s position as advocating for a diplomatic solution to the standoff, with Hua Chunying emphasizing Beijing’s commitment to regional peace and stability. This stance was presented alongside India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s assertions that China had breached previous border agreements, particularly by deploying large military forces along the LAC.
By highlighting China’s perspective and framing India’s response in contrast, The Hindu appeared to amplify China’s narrative, subtly aligning with Beijing’s position in the ongoing border conflict.
#19 The Hindu Profits from Chinese Propaganda
On 1 October 2020, The Hindu published a full-page advertorial sponsored by China to mark the occasion of China’s National Day. This paid content appeared on the third page of the newspaper. In a bid to make profits and promote Chinese Communist propaganda, The Hindu disregarded the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers, opting to publish the advertorial without any apparent hesitation.
Interestingly, while the advertorial was prominently featured in the print edition, it was notably absent from The Hindu’s digital platform, suggesting a selective approach to the content’s distribution.
#20 The Hindu Voices for China’s Defence Minister Claims
On 5 September 2020, The Hindu published an article that closely mirrored Chinese state rhetoric, quoting China’s Defence Minister, General Wei Fenghe. During a meeting with India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, in Moscow, General Wei firmly stated that India was entirely to blame for the ongoing tensions at the border. He emphasized China’s restraint and reiterated that Beijing was dedicated to resolving the dispute through diplomatic dialogue, in accordance with the agreement between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
#21 ‘The Hindu’ Echoes China’s Claims of Controlling 1,000 Sq. Km in Ladakh
On 31 August 2020, the Chinese Embassy in India released a statement regarding the recent confrontation along the LAC in eastern Ladakh. Hours before the embassy’s statement, The Hindu published a report suggesting that China controls 1,000 sq. km of land in Ladakh. The report claimed that intelligence provided to the Indian government indicated that China had gained control of this territory along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Indian Army had earlier reported that on the night of August 29-30, 2020, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attempted provocative military actions aimed at changing the status quo. However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully preempted these movements along the Southern Bank of Pangong Tso Lake, thwarting China’s efforts.
#22 ‘The Hindu’ Amplifies China’s Narrative on India-China Border Tensions
The Hindu published an article that seems to echo China’s perspective regarding the tensions with India. The article delves into China’s internal discussions following the June 2020 clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). It primarily focuses on the views of Chinese strategists, who defend the confrontation as a response to what they perceive as India’s provocative actions, such as border infrastructure development and its growing ties with the United States.
This coverage appears to bolster China’s narrative, giving prominence to Beijing’s justification for the conflict while minimizing the broader context of India’s legitimate security concerns.
#23 ‘The Hindu’ Downplays Chinese Aggression in Ladakh, Shifts Blame to India
During the border standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India accused China of violating the 1993 peace agreement, particularly due to the military build-up. However, The Hindu emphasized in its article that India’s claims may oversimplify the situation. The piece argued that the border dispute between the two countries is complex and longstanding. It suggested that India’s military deployments and actions in the disputed areas may have triggered a defensive response from China. Furthermore, The Hindu suggested that India’s aggressive stance, including its counter-deployments, contributed to the escalating tensions.
#24 ‘The Hindu’ Favors Chinese Narrative, Downplays India’s Grievances Amid Galwan Clash
Following the deadly clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in the deaths of an Indian Army Commanding Officer and two soldiers, The Hindu newspaper’s coverage appeared to favor a more sympathetic view of China. The paper repeatedly highlighted China’s narrative and its calls for de-escalation, while downplaying India’s grievances. The Hindu seemed to place greater emphasis on diplomatic efforts with China, rather than addressing the provocations and losses faced by India.
#25 ‘The Hindu’ Echoes China’s Stance on LAC, Implies Support for Beijing’s Border Claims
In this article, The Hindu reflects a sympathetic stance toward China‘s consistent position on the ongoing border dispute with India. The piece underscores China’s longstanding desire to maintain the post-1962 status quo along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), dating back to the 1962 conflict. It highlights China’s transparency over the years regarding its territorial claims and its firm stance on these boundaries. By focusing on these points, the article seems to imply support for China’s demand that India respect the established border lines, presenting Beijing’s position in a more favorable light.
#26 Linking Article 370 to LAC Tensions
A report by Wang Shida, Deputy Director of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR), highlighted the rising tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and connected them to India’s decision to revoke Article 370 and alter the status of Jammu and Kashmir. This viewpoint sharply contrasts with the stance taken by The Hindu, which seems to increasingly align with China’s position on territorial sovereignty. While The Hindu appears to support India’s actions, it overlooks the broader geopolitical dynamics, instead focusing on nationalist narratives that downplay the complexity of the situation.
#27 ‘The Hindu’ Celebrates 70 Years of China-India Relation Amid Agression
On 1 April 2020, The Hindu ran a paid advertorial celebrating 70 years of diplomatic ties between China and India, even as China continued to renege on its promises to India. The Chinese Embassy, which financed the piece, framed it as a “special page,” giving the impression that The Hindu had independently published the content to commemorate the anniversary of their diplomatic relations, disregarding the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues between the two nations.
#28 The Hindu Says “State-Breaking is Not Nation-Making” on Abrogating Article 370 aligning with China’s narrative
In 2019, the newspaper’s stance on issues like the abrogation of Article 370 and the downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir’s status appeared to align with China’s perspective on territorial integrity and centralized power. This alignment is both surprising and concerning, as The Hindu, a prominent Indian media outlet, seemed to support the consolidation of authority, a concept often linked with authoritarian regimes like China’s, which prioritize national unity over the importance of regional diversity.
Particularly worrisome is The Hindu’s endorsement of the abrogation of Article 370, which disregards the critical importance of regional autonomy in maintaining India’s diverse social fabric. This autonomy has been instrumental in preventing ethnic conflicts across the country, and its erosion could destabilize the very unity The Hindu seeks to uphold.
#29 The Hindu Says “The Idea of India” is Failing Aftermath Abrogating Article 370
In its 2019 article, The Hindu strongly criticized the Indian government’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370, portraying it as a major break from the foundational “Idea of India”—a vision rooted in constitutional values, pluralism, and regional diversity. The article argued that the move, carried out without meaningful public engagement or local consent, eroded the principles of federalism and dismissed the unique identity of Jammu and Kashmir. It also condemned the Modi government’s top-down, centralized strategy, drawing comparisons to historical authoritarian approaches, and cautioned that the decision could fuel long-term unrest, deepening alienation and triggering further instability in the region.
#30 The Hindu Praises China’s BRI as a Model for Global Progress
The Hindu published a piece that strongly endorsed China’s revamped narrative around the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), emphasizing its supposed shift toward greater transparency and inclusivity. The article presented the BRI as a visionary project designed to enhance global collaboration and economic connectivity, largely echoing Beijing’s official stance.
While India opted out of the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) due to objections over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which runs through Indian territory, The Hindu framed China’s role as a constructive global leader. The article portrayed China’s efforts as a bold step in reimagining global governance, promoting economic interdependence, and leading the future of international development.
#31 The Hindu Promotes Chinese National Day with Full-Page Coverage
On 28 September 2018, The Hindu published an elaborate special page dedicated to the celebration of China’s National Day. The feature prominently included a message from Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, along with promotional content showcasing China’s major diplomatic milestones from 2018.
The page also highlighted China’s so-called achievements under 40 years of economic reform and opening-up, the expansion of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Communist Party’s strategic plan to build a “modern socialist nation.” The tone and content reflected open support for China’s narrative, presenting the nation’s political and economic ambitions in an overwhelmingly positive light.
#32 The Hindu Justifies Chinese Crackdown on Religious Freedom
On 11 August 2018, The Hindu published an article that echoed Beijing’s justification for the planned demolition of the Grand Mosque in Weizhou, Ningxia. The piece closely mirrored the Chinese government’s narrative, asserting that “no religion is above the law.”
Rather than questioning the authoritarian move, the article appeared to rationalize the demolition as a legal issue, aligning itself with the tone of China’s state-run Global Times. By emphasizing regulatory compliance over religious freedom, the article effectively defended the Chinese state’s clampdown on Islamic places of worship under the guise of legal enforcement.
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