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Indian Army Denies Viral Video Claiming Religious Discrimination in Military
A digitally manipulated video falsely depicting Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi announcing plans to reduce non-Hindu soldiers by over 50% by 2028 has been circulating widely on social media platforms, prompting official denials from military authorities.
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has officially labeled the video as fabricated, confirming that General Dwivedi never made such inflammatory statements about religious composition within India’s armed forces.
Digital forensics experts who analyzed the footage identified multiple telltale signs of AI manipulation, including distorted name tags and insignia on the uniform, a tampered ANI microphone in the frame, unnatural lip movements, and synthetic speech patterns lacking natural pauses and intonation.
“The video has been created using deepfake technology to spread misinformation and potentially incite religious tensions,” said a cybersecurity analyst who requested anonymity. “The sophistication of these manipulations is concerning, as they become increasingly difficult for average viewers to detect.”
Multiple AI detection tools confirmed the video’s fraudulent nature. Hive Moderation assigned a 99.2% probability of AI-generated content, while specialized voice analysis tools from Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector and Resemble.ai both flagged the audio as synthetic.
The original footage of General Dwivedi was traced to an authentic ANI news report from November 1, 2025, where the Army Chief discussed his visit to educational institutions in Satna and Rewa—specifically the TRS College—with no mention of religious demographics or military policy changes.
The Indian Army’s social media channels have also made no references to any such policy shift, which would represent a dramatic departure from India’s secular military traditions that date back to independence. The armed forces have historically maintained a diverse composition reflecting the country’s multicultural identity.
This incident comes amid growing concerns about deepfake technology’s potential to disrupt democratic processes and inflame communal tensions. Security experts warn that military and defense sectors are increasingly targeted by sophisticated misinformation campaigns designed to undermine institutional credibility.
“What makes this particular deepfake dangerous is how it attempts to politicize one of India’s most respected secular institutions,” explained Dr. Meera Chandrasekhar, a media ethics researcher. “The armed forces have traditionally remained above religious politics, with recruitment based on merit rather than religious identity.”
The circulation of such content highlights the critical importance of digital literacy and verification skills. Experts advise the public to verify information through official channels before sharing potentially sensitive content, especially when it involves senior military or government officials making controversial statements.
For those concerned about identifying deepfakes, specialists recommend scrutinizing videos for unnatural movements, audio-visual discrepancies, and checking official sources for verification. The PIB Fact Check service regularly monitors and debunks false information circulating online.
Military officials have expressed concern about the potential impact of such misinformation on public trust and recruitment efforts, particularly among minority communities that have historically served with distinction in India’s armed forces.
The investigation into the source of this deepfake video continues as authorities attempt to identify those responsible for creating and initially distributing the manipulated content.
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13 Comments
This is a concerning case of deepfake technology being used to spread misinformation. It’s crucial that we remain vigilant and fact-check claims, especially those that could incite religious tensions. I appreciate the military’s swift denial of the fabricated video.
The sophistication of these AI-generated manipulations is worrying, as they can be difficult for many to detect. This highlights the importance of digital literacy and critical thinking when consuming online content. We must be cautious and rely on authoritative sources.
You’re absolutely right. Deepfake technology is a growing threat that requires ongoing vigilance and education. Fact-checking and verifying the source of information is key to combat the spread of misinformation.
The military’s prompt response in addressing this deepfake video is commendable. Maintaining religious diversity and inclusion within the armed forces is crucial for upholding the principles of secularism and national unity. We must remain vigilant against attempts to sow discord through digital deception.
I agree, the military’s decisive action in debunking this fabricated video is reassuring. Deepfakes pose a significant threat to social cohesion and democratic institutions. Ongoing efforts to improve detection capabilities and raise public awareness are essential to counter this emerging challenge.
This case highlights the need for robust digital forensics capabilities and public awareness around the dangers of deepfakes. I’m glad the military was able to swiftly identify and refute the fabricated video. Maintaining religious diversity and equality in the armed forces is essential for national unity.
This case underscores the growing threat of deepfake technology and the need for robust digital forensics capabilities. I’m glad the military was able to quickly identify and refute the fabricated video, which could have had serious consequences if left unchecked. Maintaining religious diversity and equality within the armed forces is crucial for national unity and stability.
I’m concerned about the potential impact of this deepfake video, as it could sow discord and religious tensions if left unchecked. The military’s proactive efforts to address the issue are reassuring, but we must remain vigilant against the growing threat of AI-generated misinformation.
You make a valid point. Deepfakes pose a significant risk in terms of their ability to manipulate public opinion and erode trust in institutions. Continuous improvement in detection methods and public education will be crucial to mitigate these emerging challenges.
The Indian Army’s swift response in denying and debunking this fabricated video is commendable. Maintaining religious diversity and inclusion within the military is important for national unity and cohesion. We must be vigilant against attempts to undermine these values.
This case demonstrates the need for robust digital forensics capabilities to detect sophisticated deepfakes. I commend the military and cybersecurity experts for their efforts in exposing this manipulated video and countering the spread of misinformation.
Absolutely. Deepfake detection is a critical skill as these technologies become more advanced. Ongoing research and collaboration between government, military, and tech sectors will be essential to stay ahead of this evolving threat.
I’m glad the authorities were able to quickly identify and debunk this fabricated video. Maintaining the integrity of our armed forces and upholding the principles of religious equality is crucial. We must be vigilant against attempts to sow discord through digital deception.