Controversy Surrounds Upendra Dwivedi Amid Viral Deepfake Video
A viral video has sparked controversy, claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi admitted India shared the location of an Iranian naval ship with Israel. The video has garnered significant attention, with over 43,500 views and 400 reshares on social media platforms, raising concerns about misinformation.
The Iranian naval vessel, known as the IRIS Dena, was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while operating in international waters. This incident has drawn the spotlight on the strategic alliances between India, Israel, and the United States, particularly in the context of naval operations in the Indian Ocean.
However, the authenticity of the viral video has been called into question. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) confirmed that the video is a deepfake, digitally manipulated to misrepresent General Dwivedi’s statements. PIB Fact Check issued a warning, 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 challenges of misinformation in the digital age.
General Upendra Dwivedi recently visited forward areas in Poonch district on February 7, 2026, where he praised troops for their high morale and operational readiness. During this visit, he presented the Veteran Achiever Award to Subedar Parvez Ahmed, who served in the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring in March 2019. His visit underscored the importance of troop welfare and operational preparedness in the region.
In the context of the IRIS Dena incident, General Dwivedi stated, “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.” He further elaborated, “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.” This statement reflects the complexities of international relations and military strategy in the region.
The IRIS Dena had been stationed in the Indian Ocean after participating in a naval event in Visakhapatnam, which adds another layer of context to the incident. The naval vessel’s presence in the region was part of broader maritime activities involving multiple nations.
As the situation unfolds, observers are left to consider the implications of this incident on India-Iran-Israel relations. The spread of misinformation through deepfake technology poses significant challenges for military and diplomatic communications. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the incident and its impact on regional security dynamics.
