Controversy Surrounds Upendra Dwivedi Amid Viral Deepfake Video
A viral video claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi admitted India shared the location of an Iranian naval ship with Israel has garnered significant attention, amassing over 43,500 views and 400 reshares on social media platforms. The Iranian naval vessel, known as the IRIS Dena, was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while operating in international waters.
In the video, which has since been confirmed as a deepfake, Dwivedi allegedly discusses the sinking of the IRIS Dena and the strategic relationship between India and Israel. The Press Information Bureau has verified that the video was digitally manipulated, stating, “🚨 Deepfake Video Alert: Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally manipulated video of the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.” This clarification aims to dispel any misinformation circulating online.
General Dwivedi, who visited forward areas in the 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 underscores Dwivedi’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of veterans while maintaining a focus on current military readiness.
In the context of the IRIS Dena incident, Dwivedi was quoted saying, “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 reflects the complexities of international relations and the responsibilities that come with strategic alliances.
Furthermore, he 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 highlights the delicate balance of national security and diplomatic relations in the region.
The IRIS Dena had been stationed in the Indian Ocean after participating in a naval event in Visakhapatnam, which adds a layer of context to the incident. The ship’s presence in the region was part of broader naval operations involving multiple countries, including Israel and the United States.
As the situation unfolds, observers are left to consider the implications of the viral misinformation and the potential impact on diplomatic relations among India, Iran, and Israel. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in this incident, and the military community continues to monitor the situation closely.
