The Diplomat India is committed to publishing information that is accurate, appropriately sourced and presented with sufficient context. Our fact-checking practices are designed to reduce factual errors and help readers distinguish between verified information, claims, allegations, analysis and opinion.
This policy applies to news reports, explainers, features, interviews, analysis and other editorial content published by The Diplomat India.
1. Our Approach to Fact-Checking
Before publication, journalists and editors should make reasonable efforts to verify material factual claims using sources appropriate to the subject and significance of the story.
The level of verification may vary depending on:
- The nature of the claim
- The importance of the information
- The availability of primary sources
- The urgency of a developing story
- The potential impact on individuals or organisations
- The reliability of available evidence
2. Primary Sources
Where reasonably available, we prefer to consult primary sources.
These may include:
- Government notifications
- Government websites and official statements
- Parliamentary records
- Court judgments and orders
- Regulatory filings
- Official statistics
- Research papers and institutional reports
- Company filings and official disclosures
- Original interviews
- Statements issued directly by relevant organisations or individuals
- Other original documents
Primary sources are evaluated in context and are not automatically treated as proof of every claim contained within them.
3. Secondary Sources
Secondary sources, including established news organisations, news agencies, publications and specialist sources, may be used where appropriate.
When reporting information obtained from a secondary source, The Diplomat India seeks to identify and attribute the source clearly.
We do not treat the publication of a claim by another media organisation as independent confirmation of that claim.
4. Verification of Claims
When an article contains a significant claim, the editorial team may seek confirmation through one or more additional sources.
Depending on the story, this may include:
Source confirmation: Checking the information against the original source.
Document verification: Examining the relevant official document, filing, report or record.
Independent confirmation: Seeking confirmation from another credible source.
Direct response: Contacting the relevant person, organisation or authority for comment.
Context verification: Checking whether statistics, quotations or statements are being presented in their proper context.
5. Claims and Allegations
Claims, accusations and allegations should not automatically be presented as established facts.
Where a claim has not been independently verified, the article should clearly attribute it to the person, organisation or source making the claim.
For example:
“According to [source], …”
or
“[Person/organisation] alleged that …”
The publication seeks to provide relevant responses or additional context where reasonably available and appropriate.
6. Government and Official Statements
Official statements are important sources of information, but an official statement is not necessarily independent verification of every assertion contained within it.
Where relevant, The Diplomat India may report what an authority has stated while making clear that the statement represents that authority’s position.
7. Statistics and Data
When reporting statistics or numerical information, journalists should, where possible, identify:
- The source
- The relevant date or period
- The population or geographical area covered
- The methodology, where relevant
- Any significant limitations
Numbers should not be presented without context when doing so could create a misleading impression.
8. Quotations
Quotations should be checked against the original interview, statement, recording, transcript or source document where available.
Quotes should not knowingly be fabricated or materially altered in a way that changes their meaning.
Translations should seek to preserve the substance and meaning of the original statement.
9. Social Media Verification
Social media posts can provide useful information, particularly during breaking news, but they are not automatically treated as verified evidence.
Before reporting a social media claim as fact, the editorial team may seek additional confirmation through:
- Official sources
- Direct contact
- Original photographs or videos
- Location and time information
- Independent reporting
- Other reliable evidence
Screenshots and reposted material should be treated cautiously because their origin and context may be difficult to establish.
10. Photographs and Videos
Images and videos may be checked for:
- Original source
- Date
- Location
- Context
- Possible manipulation
- Whether the material relates to the event being reported
Old photographs or videos should not knowingly be presented as depicting a current event.
When an image is illustrative rather than an actual image of the reported event, appropriate context should be provided where necessary.
11. Breaking News
Breaking news often develops before all facts can be independently confirmed.
Where immediate reporting is justified, The Diplomat India may publish information that is available from credible sources while clearly identifying what is confirmed and what remains unverified.
As additional reliable information becomes available, the article may be updated.
If an earlier report contains a material factual error, the publication will follow its Corrections Policy.
12. Anonymous Sources
Anonymous sources may be used in circumstances where the information is significant and the source has a legitimate reason for requiring confidentiality.
Anonymous information should be appropriately attributed without revealing identifying details.
Where practical, significant information obtained from an anonymous source should be independently corroborated.
Anonymous sourcing should not be used merely to make an article appear more authoritative.
13. User-Submitted Information
Information submitted by readers, contributors or members of the public may be considered for publication but is not automatically treated as verified.
The editorial team may independently investigate or verify such material before presenting it as fact.
14. AI-Assisted Research and Verification
Artificial intelligence tools may assist with certain newsroom tasks, including research organisation, transcription, translation or data processing.
However, AI-generated information is not treated as an authoritative source by itself.
AI systems can produce inaccurate or fabricated information. Material factual claims should therefore be checked against appropriate primary or reliable sources before publication.
The publication’s editorial team remains responsible for the accuracy of published content.
Our detailed approach to AI is described in the AI & Automated Content Policy.
15. Fact-Checking of Opinion and Analysis
Opinion and analysis may involve interpretation, judgement or projections that cannot be verified in the same way as straightforward factual statements.
Authors should nevertheless ensure that factual claims underlying their arguments are accurate and appropriately sourced.
Readers should be able to distinguish between:
Fact: Information supported by evidence.
Analysis: Interpretation of available facts.
Opinion: A stated viewpoint or argument.
16. Corrections
If a material factual error is identified after publication, The Diplomat India will review the information and make an appropriate correction where warranted.
Readers can report potential errors at:
corrections@thediplomatindia.com
Further information is available in our Corrections Policy.
17. Editorial Independence
Fact-checking decisions are based on the available evidence and editorial standards.
Advertising, sponsorship, commercial partnerships or other business relationships should not determine whether a factual claim is verified or how an editorial story is reported.
18. Transparency
Where appropriate, articles may identify important sources, link to primary documents and provide relevant context so that readers can independently examine the underlying information.
The purpose of fact-checking is not to guarantee that every published article will never contain an error. It is to establish a responsible process for identifying, evaluating and correcting factual information.
19. Policy Review
This policy may be reviewed and updated to reflect changes in editorial practices, applicable law, PRGI requirements and relevant platform policies.
Last Updated: 16 September 2026