Controversy Surrounds Upendra Dwivedi Amid Viral Deepfake Video
A viral video has emerged claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, admitted that India shared the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel. The video has garnered significant attention, amassing over 43,500 views and being reshared 400 times across various platforms.
In the video, which has been confirmed as a deepfake, Dwivedi allegedly states, “As long as the Iranian ship remained in Indian waters, they remained protected, but when they crossed into international waters, as Israeli strategic allies, it was our duty to inform Israel of their exact location as part of our newer strategic deal.” However, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has clarified that the video is digitally manipulated and does not reflect any actual statements made by the General.
The IRIS Dena, an Iranian naval vessel, was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while stationed in the Indian Ocean after participating in a naval event in Visakhapatnam. The incident has raised eyebrows, particularly given the geopolitical tensions in the region, with the United States, Israel, and Iran involved in a complex web of alliances and hostilities.
General Dwivedi, who visited forward areas in Poonch district on February 7, 2026, praised the troops for their high morale and operational readiness during his visit. He also presented the Veteran Achiever Award to Subedar Parvez Ahmed, who served in the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring in March 2019. This visit was part of Dwivedi’s ongoing efforts to bolster troop confidence amid rising tensions.
In response to the viral video, the PIB issued a statement warning about the dangers of misinformation, stating, “🚨 Deepfake Video Alert: Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally manipulated video of the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.” This highlights the ongoing information warfare that often accompanies military and geopolitical conflicts.
As the situation unfolds, observers are closely monitoring the implications of the incident. The Iranian naval ship’s sinking has been described as unfortunate, and Dwivedi remarked, “We are closely monitoring the situation in Iran. Israel is our close ally. The Iranian naval ship being sunk is indeed unfortunate, but it was done in international waters.” This statement underscores the delicate balance of international relations in the region.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the incident and the implications for India’s foreign policy. The Indian government has yet to officially comment on the specifics of the alleged intelligence-sharing arrangement with Israel, leaving many questions unanswered.
