Pakistan continues to receive significant attention in Indian media, social-media discussions and popular culture, despite repeated assertions in Indian public discourse that the neighbouring country is of limited importance.
According to figures cited in the report, Pakistan accounted for 30.8 per cent of international news coverage analysed on Indian television, placing it ahead of countries such as the United States and China.
The figures indicate that Pakistan occupies a substantial share of Indian television coverage of international affairs, prompting questions about the extent of public and media attention devoted to the neighbouring country.
A similar pattern has been observed on social media. During heightened tensions between India and Pakistan in February 2019, around 13.74 million India-originating Twitter conversations were recorded over a two-day period, with Pakistan featuring prominently in the discussions.
Pakistan and India-Pakistan tensions have also appeared repeatedly as themes in Bollywood productions. Films including Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Gadar, Gadar 2 and the Tiger franchise have incorporated Pakistan-related storylines or tensions between the two countries.
The continued presence of Pakistan across Indian television coverage, online discussions and popular entertainment presents a contrast with statements that suggest limited interest in the neighbouring country.
The figures and examples raise questions about the level of attention Pakistan continues to receive within India’s media and popular culture.
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