The Information War: Indian Army Pushes for 'Narrative Dominance' at ASCEND 2025
Indian Army’s Southern Command hosts ASCEND 2025 seminar in Pune to shape national strategic communication.
The Indian Army’s Southern Command hosted ASCEND 2025, a two-day seminar on Strategic Communication titled “Aligning Strategic Communication for Enduring Narrative Dominance” at the Rajendra Sinhji Army Mess and Institute in Pune. The event, a landmark initiative to institutionalize narrative dominance in the information age, convened senior defense officials, policymakers, veterans, media professionals, academicians, and industry experts to underscore strategic communication as a vital pillar of national power.
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, Southern Army Commander, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing that “India’s story must be rooted in truth, anchored in our values, and aligned with firm actions” to achieve enduring narrative dominance. Former R&AW chief and NSAB Chairman Alok Joshi, the chief guest, advocated for a “whole-of-government approach” to strengthen national capabilities in countering disinformation and hostile propaganda. A fireside chat with senior journalist Nitin Gokhale highlighted the need for a coordinated national strategy in India’s evolving information landscape.
Organized with the Pune International Centre and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Current & Strategic Affairs, the seminar explored institutionalizing strategic communication, its role in national security, and technology’s integration for broader outreach. Discussions stressed the urgency of a unified National Strategic Communication Framework to enhance cognitive preparedness and narrative resilience, aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
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ASCEND 2025 marks a pivotal step in shaping India’s strategic communication architecture. By fostering synergy among stakeholders, the Indian Army aims to counter adversarial narratives and bolster national security, positioning India as a formidable voice in the global information domain.
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