India has asked China and Bangladesh authorities to take action against Chinese influencers who filmed videos in Dhaka and claimed the locations were parts of New Delhi. The controversy erupted after Bangladeshi media alleged that more than 150 Chinese nationals had recorded videos and livestreams in poor neighbourhoods of Dhaka while claiming they were broadcasting from India.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the alleged attempts to misrepresent India’s image as an effort to spread false narratives. The issue has also focused attention on the circulation of anti-India content on Chinese social media platforms.
India Criticises Attempts to Spread False Narratives
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal fielded questions on the reports in a media briefing on Tuesday. He said presenting a distorted picture of another country was unfortunate, and action should be taken against those behind it.
Jaiswal said that showing parts of Dhaka as locations in Delhi “undermines the credibility of those who make such stuff and those supporting it”.
India has asked the authorities in Beijing and Dhaka to investigate the matter and take action against those responsible.
The ministry’s response reflects New Delhi’s worry over misleading online content that could shape international views of India.
Chinese Influencers Allegedly Filmed in Dhaka Neighbourhoods
An investigation published by Bangladeshi newspaper Prothom Alo found that more than 150 Chinese nationals had been filming videos and livestreams in Dhaka for months.
The locations were allegedly Uttara and Tekpara in the Bangladeshi capital. The investigation said visitors hired local guides to record content for them.
However, an analysis of the videos allegedly showed that some influencers claimed their filming locations were New Delhi rather than Dhaka.
A Chinese woman livestreamed from Uttara on November 1 and allegedly said that the neighbourhood is like New Delhi, living conditions are bad, cleanliness is poor, and law-and-order situation is bad.
The incident has sparked questions about whether location-based social media content is actually real or if people are deliberately misled.
India has expressed concern over videos by Chinese influencers in Bangladesh allegedly portraying dirty locations in Dhaka as Delhi. Responding to the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs called the incident “unfortunate”. #MEA #IndiaBangladesh https://t.co/yVneZuTVhU
— rishi (@rishi171256) November 10, 2026
Chinese Influencers' Indian Visa Applications Rejected
Sources close to the development reportedly said anti-India content had increased on Chinese social media platforms in recent months.
Several videos allegedly portrayed India as dirty, economically underdeveloped and poor, with bad living conditions.
The circulation of such content was timed with several Chinese influencers applying for Indian visas in Beijing — most of them were reportedly rejected by Indian authorities.
One source said some vloggers may have gone to Bangladesh to make similar content after not being allowed into India.
These claims have not independently established the motives of every Chinese national involved in the filming either.
India and China Attempt to Rebuild Bilateral Relations
The controversy comes at a time when India and China are trying to mend strained diplomatic and military ties.
The two countries reached an understanding in October 2024 to end a military stand-off in eastern Ladakh, which had lasted more than four years. The confrontation had severely damaged bilateral relations, with ties reaching one of their lowest points in decades.
Diplomatic engagement has continued, but online misinformation and public perceptions could add new challenges to the relationship.
India’s demand for action against the alleged misrepresentation shows how it views misleading digital content and how videos like this might affect its international image.
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