Upendra dwivedi
Viral Video Misattributed to Upendra Dwivedi
A viral video claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi admitted India shared the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel has garnered significant attention, amassing over 43,500 views and 400 reshares on social media. However, the authenticity of the video has been called into question, as it has been confirmed to be a deepfake.
Details of the Incident
The IRIS Dena, an Iranian naval ship, was reportedly torpedoed by a US submarine while operating in international waters. In the manipulated video, Dwivedi appears to discuss the sinking of the vessel and India’s role in informing Israel of its location. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has stated that the video is digitally manipulated, and the claims made within it do not reflect actual statements made by Dwivedi.
Official Response
General Upendra Dwivedi, during a visit to forward areas in Poonch district on February 7, 2026, addressed the situation, 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.” This statement highlights the complexities of international naval operations and alliances.
Context of the IRIS Dena
The IRIS Dena had been stationed in the Indian Ocean after participating in a naval event in Visakhapatnam. Observers note that as long as the Iranian ship remained in Indian waters, it was protected; however, once it crossed into international waters, Dwivedi asserted, “it was our duty to inform Israel of their exact location as part of our newer strategic deal.” This reflects the evolving dynamics of defense partnerships in the region.
Recognition of Service
During his visit to Poonch, Dwivedi also took the opportunity to present the Veteran Achiever Award to Subedar Parvez Ahmed, who served in the Indian Army for 28 years before retiring in March 2019. This recognition underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to honoring its veterans while maintaining operational readiness.
Public Reaction and Misinformation
The spread of the deepfake video has raised concerns about misinformation, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions. The PIB Fact Check team 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 battle against false narratives in the digital age.
Looking Ahead
As the situation continues to develop, observers are closely monitoring the implications of the incident involving the IRIS Dena and the potential ramifications for India’s strategic alliances. Details remain unconfirmed regarding further actions or statements from the involved parties, leaving the international community awaiting clarity on the matter.
