Pakistani propaganda accounts are circulating a digitally altered video of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, falsely claiming that India has suspended all trade with Afghanistan due to security concerns linked to unrest in Iran. The posts allege that the decision was taken under Minister Goyal and suggest a major strategic shift in India’s regional policy. This claim is false and fabricated. India has made no such announcement, and no official source confirms any halt in trade with Afghanistan.
he fake narrative was pushed by propaganda account @RomiAlerts, which shared the manipulated video along with an alarmist caption. Alongside the video, these networks also circulated a forged letter falsely attributed to the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to lend credibility to the claim.
💥 India Divorced Afghan Trade Amid Changing Global Scenario
— Romi (@RomiAlerts) January 12, 2026
⚠️ Amid escalating regional instability and unrest linked to Iran, India has abruptly suspended all trade with Afghanistan, triggering shockwaves across the region. Acting under Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, the move… pic.twitter.com/dZYq5pEgIP
Truth: Original ANI Video Shows No Trade-Related Announcement
As the false claim gained traction on social media, it drew our attention. The D-Intent Data Team conducted a detailed frame-by-frame investigation and keyword research. We closely analysed the viral clip and noticed unnatural facial movements and audio inconsistencies, indicating digital manipulation. Tracing the source led us to the official ANI social media account, which published the original video. In the authentic ANI footage, recorded during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot, Piyush Goyal speaks about the success of the Vibrant Gujarat initiative, regional development, and the benefits for businesses and startups in Saurashtra and Kutch. He does not mention Afghanistan, Iran, security concerns, or any suspension of trade.
#WATCH | Rajkot, Gujarat | On his visit to Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference for Saurashtra and Kutchh, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal says, "In 2003, when PM Narendra Modi started the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, no one would have imagined that this… pic.twitter.com/c6mSCh1M9b
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
Additionally, the alleged government letter circulating online is completely fabricated and has already been debunked. No such notification has been issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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— D-Intent Data (@dintentdata) January 12, 2026
ANALYSIS: Fake
FACT: Pakistani propagandists are circulating a digitally altered video of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, falsely claiming that he announced India’s decision to halt trade with Afghanistan after reviewing the security situation (1/4) pic.twitter.com/c5QaSrGKCX
Intent:
Propaganda accounts are circulating digitally altered videos of Indian Politicians with self-invented claims to set their narrative over India and Afghanistan relations.
Conclusion:
Claim: India suspended all trade with Afghanistan due to security concerns, as announced by Piyush Goyal.
Fact: No such announcement was made. The video is digitally altered, and India has not halted trade with Afghanistan.
Related Article: Fact Check: Afghanistan Did Not Offer Bagram Airbase for US Strikes Against Iran – D-Intent Data
