Defence ministry calls for privacy of armed forces amid Operation Sindoor, issues 4-point advisory

NEW DELHI: Amid the fallout of Operation Sindoor , the defence ministry (MoD) has urged news outlets to respect the privacy of senior armed forces personnel and their families.

In an advisory issued this week, the ministry laid out clear boundaries on what is acceptable coverage and what crosses into personal intrusion.

The advisory follows reports that some media personnel have approached the private homes of senior military officers, attempted to contact family members, and pursued stories unrelated to their professional duties. The ministry has taken serious note of this behaviour, stating such actions are “deeply inappropriate and potentially compromising to the dignity, privacy, and safety” of the individuals involved.

“In the context of ongoing operations such as Operation Sindoor, senior officers across the armed forces have rightfully come into the public eye owing to their leadership roles,” the ministry said. “It has come to the attention of the Ministry that this increased focus has extended beyond professional coverage into the personal lives of the officers and their families.”

The advisory reminds the public that while armed forces personnel may hold public roles, their families remain private citizens. The ministry underlined that these families must be treated with “due respect and sensitivity.”

To guide media conduct going forward, the ministry issued a four-point list:

• Refrain from visiting or attempting to contact the private residences or families of serving or retired armed forces personnel for personal stories or interviews, unless expressly invited or cleared through official channels.
  
  
• Avoid the publication or broadcast of personal details, including residential addresses, photographs of family members, or other non-operational information that is not in the public interest.
  
  
• Focus media coverage on professional and operational aspects of armed forces activities and leadership, and avoid speculative or intrusive reporting on private lives.
  
  
• Respect the boundaries of privacy and operational confidentiality, particularly during periods of active operations or heightened national security .
  
  

Theministry acknowledged the important role of the media in shaping public understanding of national security matters. “The Ministry of Defence appreciates the continued interest and support of the media in covering the activities, achievements, and sacrifices of the Indian armed forces the Army, Navy, and Air Force.”

However, it also appealed to all media stakeholders to maintain high standards of responsible journalism , especially during sensitive periods like Operation Sindoor. “The Ministry of Defence reiterates its commitment to transparent and constructive engagement with the media. At the same time, it appeals to all media stakeholders to maintain responsible journalistic standards, respecting the personal space and dignity of those who serve the nation, and their families.”