Full Report
A new advertisement campaign spread around India late last year. The campaign targeted both print and digital audiences across the country, stretching from New Delhi to Chennai and beyond. Pegged as a “new voice from an old friend,” the ads called on visitors and passersby to tune in to a new station launching in December 2025: RT…
Analysis Summary
# Threat Actor: RT (Russia Today) / Kremlin State Media
## Attribution & Identity
* **Actor Identification:** RT (formerly Russia Today), a Russian state-controlled media network.
* **Aliases:** RT India, RT-related outlets.
* **Known Associations:** The Russian Government (Kremlin), specifically overseen by Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian state-controlled media apparatus.
## Activity Summary
* **RT India Launch (2025-2026):** A multi-channel advertisement campaign spread across India (including New Delhi and Chennai) in late 2025. The campaign utilized both print and digital mediums to promote the launch of "RT India" in December 2025.
* **Global South Outreach:** A strategic expansion of Russian state-controlled narratives targeting non-Western audiences to bypass Western sanctions and information blocks.
## Tactics, Techniques & Procedures
* **Information Operations (IO):** Use of "truthful and reliable information" branding to mask state-led propaganda.
* **Multi-Channel Advertising:** Integrated use of traditional print media and digital advertising to reach a broad demographic.
* **Localized Content:** Tailoring news bulletins, documentaries, and public affairs shows to local cultural and political sentiments ("New voice from an old friend").
* **Narrative Framing:** Promising a "West v. The Rest" perspective to exploit historical ties and regional grievances in the Global South.
* **Strategic Distraction:** Utilizing external influence operations to project soft power despite domestic economic instability (stagflation, labor shortages).
## Targeting
* **Sectors:** Media, Communications, Public Opinion.
* **Geography:** India (specifically New Delhi, Chennai, and broader regional audiences), and the Global South.
* **Victims:** General Indian public, print and digital media consumers.
## Tools & Infrastructure
* **Broadcasting Infrastructure:** New station (RT India) launching December 2025.
* **Digital Platforms:** Associated URLs for content delivery:
* `https[:]//theconversation[.]com/rt-india-how-the-kremlin-is-spreading-its-west-v-the-rest-narrative-to-a-global-audience-271416`
* `https[:]//www[.]atlanticcouncil[.]org/content-series/russia-tomorrow/how-russia-targets-is-messaging-in-the-global-south/`
* **Physical Media:** Print advertisements in Indian national and regional newspapers.
## Implications
The launch of RT India represents a strategic shift by the Kremlin to consolidate influence in the Global South as Western markets become increasingly restricted. By positioning itself as a "reliable" alternative to Western media, Russia seeks to secure diplomatic support and neutralize international criticism regarding its invasion of Ukraine. This highlights a long-term commitment to information warfare even amidst significant domestic economic pressure and military stagnation.
## Mitigations
* **Public Awareness:** Educating audiences on the source and funding of state-controlled media outlets.
* **Foreign Influence Transparency:** Implementing or enforcing registries for foreign-funded media organizations to ensure the public is aware of the actor's origins.
* **Content Labeling:** Digital platforms should apply clear labels to content generated by state-affiliated entities.
* **Alternative Narratives:** Supporting independent local journalism to counter state-sponsored disinformation campaigns.