The government has rejected allegations circulating from Pakistani sources that India shared the location of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena with Israel, describing the claims as part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. The clarification follows the sinking of the Iranian warship by a US submarine in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka on March 4, an incident in which at least 87 sailors were reported killed. Officials said the accusations were being amplified through manipulated videos and fabricated narratives aimed at damaging India’s credibility.
The Press Information Bureau’s fact-check unit flagged a viral clip that purported to show Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi admitting India had passed intelligence about the ship. Authorities identified the footage as an AI-generated deepfake and warned the public against misinformation. PIB stated that the Army Chief had made no such remarks and that the video was digitally manipulated to mislead viewers.
The government reiterated that claims suggesting India provided intelligence to Israel about the vessel’s movements were baseless. Officials also cited newly introduced information technology rules that require digital platforms to label AI-generated media, saying the measures are aimed at limiting the spread of synthetic and misleading content.
The controversy arose after the sinking of IRIS Dena, an Iranian frigate that had been returning from the Milan International Fleet Review hosted by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam. According to reports, the ship was torpedoed by a US submarine in international waters near Galle, Sri Lanka. Iranian authorities said around 130 personnel were on board at the time of the strike.
Rescue operations were carried out with assistance from the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Air Force. About 30 sailors were rescued and admitted to Karapitiya Hospital for treatment, while search efforts continued in surrounding waters.
Iran condemned the strike, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi describing it as an “atrocity at sea” and warning of consequences. Strategic affairs analysts said the episode signals an expansion of regional tensions into the Indian Ocean. Experts noted that countries in the region face complex diplomatic challenges, as assisting naval vessels during wartime can be interpreted as aligning with one side.
India’s Ministry of Defence said it responded to the distress call by initiating search-and-rescue support but firmly denied any involvement in the attack. Authorities said they are continuing to monitor the evolving regional security situation.
