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India’s Government Warns of AI Deepfake Video of Army Chief Used in Pakistani Propaganda
The Indian government has issued an urgent alert about an artificial intelligence-generated deepfake video of Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi being circulated on social media as part of what officials describe as a Pakistani disinformation campaign.
On Monday, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit, the government’s official fact-checking agency, posted on the social media platform X warning citizens about the manipulated content. The fabricated video falsely shows General Dwivedi claiming that India, as a strategic ally of Israel, had provided information about an Iranian ship’s location in international waters as part of a “newer strategic deal.”
“Beware! This is an AI-generated deepfake video shared to mislead the public,” the PIB Fact Check post stated. To counter the misinformation, the agency shared a link to the original, unaltered video of General Dwivedi speaking at the Raisina Dialogue 2026.
In a related development, the PIB also debunked other false claims circulating on Pakistani social media accounts alleging that Vice Chief of Navy Sanjay Vatsayan had assisted in an attack on an Iranian ship on orders from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and that Naval Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi was preparing to resign as a result.
“These allegations are completely baseless,” the fact-checking unit emphasized, labeling them as “fake” and part of a broader disinformation campaign targeting India. The agency urged citizens to rely solely on official government sources for accurate information about defense matters.
This incident highlights the growing threat of deepfake technology in spreading international disinformation. Deepfakes use artificial intelligence to create convincing but fabricated videos or audio recordings that can make it appear as if public figures said or did things they never actually did.
Security experts have increasingly warned about the potential of such technology to create diplomatic incidents or inflame tensions between nations, particularly in already sensitive regions like South Asia where India-Pakistan relations remain fraught.
The Indian government has been stepping up efforts to combat fake news and disinformation, particularly when it involves national security or defense matters. The PIB Fact Check unit was established specifically to identify and counter misinformation targeting government policies and officials.
“If you come across such dubious content, please report it immediately,” the fact-checking unit advised citizens, providing a dedicated WhatsApp helpline number (+91 8799711259) and an email address (factcheck@pib.gov.in) for reporting suspicious content.
This incident comes at a time when India has been strengthening its cybersecurity framework and digital literacy campaigns to help citizens identify manipulated content. The government has previously expressed concerns about the misuse of emerging technologies like AI-generated deepfakes to spread false information that could potentially harm national interests or create public panic.
Defense analysts note that such disinformation tactics are increasingly becoming part of modern information warfare strategies, aimed at undermining public trust or creating confusion about a country’s military stance and international relationships.
The PIB has encouraged media organizations to verify information with official sources before publishing content related to defense matters, especially during times of heightened regional tensions.
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11 Comments
Deepfake technology is a double-edged sword – it can be used to create compelling content, but also to spread dangerous misinformation. I applaud the Indian authorities for their quick response in addressing this propaganda attempt. Vigilance and fact-checking are key to combating these issues.
The use of AI-generated deepfakes for propaganda is a worrying development. I commend the Indian authorities for their swift action in debunking this particular piece of misinformation. It’s crucial that governments and media work together to combat the spread of disinformation.
It’s disturbing to see how AI-generated deepfakes can be weaponized for political gain. I’m glad the Indian government is on top of this and taking steps to refute the false claims. Transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust in institutions.
The use of AI-generated deepfakes for propaganda is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed. I commend the Indian government for their swift action in debunking this false claim and providing the public with the facts. Fact-checking and transparency are essential in the digital age.
The proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes is a serious threat to information integrity. I applaud the Indian government for quickly identifying and debunking this attempt at propaganda. Vigilance and a commitment to truth are essential in countering the spread of disinformation.
Wow, it’s really concerning to see AI-generated deepfake videos being used for propaganda. Glad the Indian government is on top of this and quickly debunking the false claims. Spreading misinformation like this is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
This is a good example of how advanced AI technologies can be misused to create misleading content. It’s important for governments and media outlets to stay vigilant and fact-check information, especially when it comes to sensitive national security matters.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and transparency are crucial to counter the spread of disinformation. Kudos to the Indian authorities for swiftly responding to this attempt at propaganda.
The use of AI-generated deepfakes for propaganda is a worrying trend. I’m glad the Indian government is taking it seriously and working to debunk these false claims. Maintaining trust in public institutions is so important, especially during times of geopolitical tension.
This is a prime example of how advanced technology can be misused for nefarious purposes. I’m glad the Indian government is taking a proactive stance in addressing this issue and providing the public with accurate information. Fact-checking and transparency are vital in the digital age.
It’s concerning to see how AI-powered deepfakes are being used to spread misinformation, especially on sensitive national security matters. I’m glad the Indian authorities are on top of this issue and working to provide the public with accurate information. Maintaining trust in institutions is crucial.