Viral Video Claims and Military Context
A viral video has sparked controversy by claiming that General Upendra Dwivedi admitted India shared the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel. This video has garnered significant attention, amassing over 43,500 views and 400 reshares on social media platforms.
According to reports, the IRIS Dena was torpedoed by a US submarine while operating in international waters. The incident has raised eyebrows, particularly given the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran and Israel. However, the authenticity of the video featuring Dwivedi has been called into question, with the Press Information Bureau confirming that it was digitally manipulated and a product of deepfake technology.
In a statement attributed to him, Dwivedi reportedly said, “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, stating, “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, these statements have not been verified and remain part of the viral misinformation.
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 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 highlights the ongoing commitment of the Indian military to honor its veterans amidst current operational challenges.
The IRIS Dena was stationed in the Indian Ocean after participating in a naval event in Visakhapatnam, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The Iranian naval vessel’s presence in the region has been a point of contention, especially with the backdrop of US-Iran relations and the strategic interests of Israel.
Despite the debunking of the viral video, its spread indicates a growing concern over misinformation in the digital age, particularly regarding military and geopolitical matters. The PIB Fact Check emphasized the need for vigilance against such propaganda, stating, “🚨 Deepfake Video Alert: Pakistani propaganda accounts are sharing a digitally manipulated video of the Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.” This highlights the challenges faced by military officials in combating misinformation.
As the situation develops, observers are keenly watching for any official statements or clarifications from the Indian government regarding the incident and the implications of the viral video. Details remain unconfirmed, and the international community continues to monitor the evolving dynamics in the Indian Ocean.
