No, COAS General Dwivedi Did Not Say Arunachal Should Be Given to China

A viral video circulating on social media shows Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi allegedly saying India should hand over Arunachal Pradesh to China to stop Beijing’s support to Pakistan. 

Evidence

Newschecker did not find any credible news reports about such a statement by General Upendra Dwivedi. We also noticed a slight discolouration of the general’s chin, raising our doubts on whether the video was manipulated.

Deepfake Detection Tools Confirm AI-Generated Audio

Newschecker analysed the viral clip using two independent deepfake detection tools, both of which confirmed that the audio had been manipulated. The Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector gave the voice an authenticity score of just 1 out of 100, indicating a very high likelihood of AI-generated manipulation. 

Similarly, the DeepFake-O-Meter developed by the UB Media Forensics Lab at the University at Buffalo, marked the audio as fake, with two of its analytic outputs rating it 99.98 percent and 100 percent likely to be AI-generated.

Original Video From ANI Shows No Such Remarks

We reviewed the original video uploaded by ANI on November 24, 2025, which captures General Upendra Dwivedi’s actual speech at the commissioning of INS Mahe in Mumbai.

In his address, General Dwivedi focused on the induction of INS Mahe. He highlighted India’s growing capability to design and construct complex naval platforms, praised Cochin Shipyard Ltd for its professionalism, and said the vessel would enhance near-seas dominance, strengthen coastal security, and safeguard India’s maritime interests. His remarks revolved entirely around indigenous technology, naval readiness, and maritime security, with no reference to China, Pakistan, or Arunachal Pradesh.

Voice and Speech Pattern Do Not Match

Comparing the original ANI footage with the viral clip makes the manipulation clear.

General Dwivedi’s real voice, tone, and speaking style do not match the audio in the viral video, confirming the overlay is artificial.

PIB Fact Check Also Declared The Video Fake

On November 27, 2025, PIB Fact Check officially debunked the clip, stating that the Chief of the Army Staff has made no such statement.

Also Read: Fake Screenshot Falsely Claims Gautam Gambhir Announced Resignation As Team India Head Coach

Verdict

The viral video of General Upendra Dwivedi is AI-manipulated. The Chief of Army Staff never suggested handing over Arunachal Pradesh to China or made any remarks about China, Pakistan, or Rafale jets. 

FAQ

1. Did General Upendra Dwivedi say Arunachal should be given to China?
No. He never made any such statement. The viral video uses an AI-generated voiceover.

2. What was the original video about?
The original video shows General Dwivedi speaking at the commissioning of INS Mahe in Mumbai on November 24.

3. How was the video proven fake?
Two deepfake detection tools and a comparison with the original ANI footage confirmed the voice was artificially added.

Sources

YouTube video by ANI, November 24, 2025
Hiya Deepfake Voice Detector Analysis
DeepFake-O-Meter, UB Media Forensics Lab
X Post by PIB Fact Check, November 27, 2025