Fact Check: AI-generated video falsely quotes General Upendra Dwivedi

A video circulating widely on social media claims that Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi exclaimed that 20,000 Muslim personnel resigned from the Indian Army after being blamed for the recent Red Fort car blast. This video has been found to be entirely doctored. The viral footage, which shows the Army Chief allegedly criticising “saffronisation” within the force and suggesting that Punjabi Sikhs and Muslims would turn against the Army “because of Narendra Modi”, is not backed by any evidence and has been conclusively debunked by fact-checkers and official agencies.

#WATCH | Delhi: At Cavalry Seminar 2025, Chief of the Army Staff, General Upendra Dwivedi says, "…As far as the northern front is concerned, the satellite photographs tell us it's a tankable terrain across. And of course, it is a super high-altitude area. So the logistics and… pic.twitter.com/REiyFnDIKz

— ANI (@ANI) November 11, 2025

The clip triggered significant concern online, with many users assuming it to be genuine. However, basic verification tools and official sources quickly revealed that the video bears no resemblance to any real speech delivered by General Dwivedi. Searches using keywords such as “Indian Army Chief”, “Muslims Mass Resignation”, and “Delhi Blast” yielded no credible reports from reputable media outlets. There were also no statements from the government or the Indian Army supporting the claim. The official social media handles of the Indian Army, which regularly issue clarifications on misinformation involving military matters, carried no reference to any such remarks.

A reverse image search provided the first concrete contradiction. The visuals in the viral clip were traced back to an IANS video posted on November 12, 2025, recorded during the Delhi Defence Dialogue. In the authentic video, General Dwivedi was speaking on evolving global security challenges, advancements in land-warfare technologies and the need to strengthen India’s conventional capabilities. There was no reference to communal issues, internal divisions or resignations within the force. Newschecker, which reviewed the full livestream of his address from the event, confirmed that none of the statements circulating in the viral clip were actually made at the event.

General Dwivedi’s recent public statements further highlight how the fabricated remarks are different from his real positions. At the Cavalry Seminar 2025, he provided detailed insights into operational preparedness on the northern borders. He highlighted the complexities posed by geography, noting: “As far as the northern front is concerned, the satellite photographs tell us it’s a tankable terrain across. And of course, it is a super high-altitude area. So the logistics and ability to remain coherent for a longer period for the crew also, that’s a challenge ATS will play an important role in air-landed and transported operations”. He also addressed the role of modern technologies in warfare, particularly artificial intelligence. “As far as AI is concerned, it is never human versus AI. It is humans amplified by AI”, he said. “What does it mean? That is the creativity of a commander on the ground, the empathy factor, when to do what, problem solving and turning data into decisions”.

These verified remarks stand in stark contrast to the communal and politically charged statements attributed to him in the doctored clip. Analysts note that the Army Chief’s public speeches consistently focus on strategic, technological and capability-building aspects of national defence not political commentary. A closer technical examination of the viral video revealed clear indicators of manipulation. The name tag and rank insignia on General Dwivedi’s uniform appeared distorted, suggesting the overlay of altered frames. The IANS watermark, normally sharp and uniform, appeared warped and stretched in the viral version. Reviewers also spotted smudging and unnatural movements around the Army Chief’s lower jaw, a common artefact in AI-altered videos where audio is replaced or lip movements are reshaped. Experts also pointed out that the audio did not match General Dwivedi’s natural speaking style, cadence or tone, further confirming that the dialogue had been artificially generated.

The Press Information Bureau’s fact-checking unit, which routinely debunks misinformation involving defence and national security, has formally labelled the viral clip “fake”. The agency confirmed that the Army Chief had made no such communal comments and urged citizens to refrain from sharing unverified videos that could harm the morale and reputation of the armed forces.

The circulation of this doctored video fits into a broader and troubling pattern. Over the past year, multiple digitally altered videos targeting senior military officials have surfaced online, often portraying them as making political or communal statements aimed at provoking discord. Experts warn that such attempts are designed to erode public trust in institutions and exploit sensitive issues for disruption.

Officials have advised the public to verify such claims through trusted and official sources and to remain cautious of content that appears sensational, divisive or politically loaded — particularly when involving the armed forces, where misinformation can have serious repercussions for national unity and security.