Viral Video Misrepresents Upendra Dwivedi’s Statements
A viral video has emerged, claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Indian Army, admitted to sharing the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel. The video, which has garnered over 43,500 views and 400 reshares, has been identified as a deepfake, misleadingly representing Dwivedi’s statements.
The IRIS Dena, an Iranian naval ship, was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while operating in international waters. The situation escalated following the ship’s participation in a naval event in Visakhapatnam, after which it was stationed in the Indian Ocean. Observers noted that the video’s claims could heighten tensions in an already volatile region.
In response to the viral misinformation, the Press Information Bureau confirmed 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 highlights the ongoing challenges of misinformation in the digital age.
General Dwivedi, during a visit to forward areas in Poonch district on February 7, 2026, praised the troops for their high morale and operational readiness. He emphasized the importance of vigilance in the face of evolving threats, stating, “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.”
Dwivedi further elaborated on the strategic relationship between India and Israel, explaining, “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 underscores the complexities of international naval operations and alliances.
During his visit, General Dwivedi 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 recognition reflects the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring its veterans while maintaining a focus on current operational readiness.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of the viral video and the actual events surrounding the IRIS Dena remain under scrutiny. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full extent of the incident and its potential impact on regional security dynamics.
