Headquarters Southern Command recently hosted a pivotal two-day seminar titled ASCEND 2025 – “Aligning Strategic Communication for Enduring Narrative Dominance” from 10 to 11 October 2025 at RSAMI, Pune. This initiative signifies a groundbreaking step toward institutionalizing India’s approach to achieving narrative dominance in the information age.
The seminar convened a distinguished assembly of senior defense officials, policymakers, veterans, academicians, media professionals, and industry leaders, all united to discuss the paramount role of Strategic Communication as a critical element of national power.
During the keynote address, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command, underlined that Strategic Communication is now a fundamental pillar of national security. He articulated that India’s narrative should be grounded in truth, firmly anchored in values, and closely aligned with decisive actions to ensure lasting influence and credibility on the global stage.
The seminar also featured Shri Alok Joshi, Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), as the Chief Guest. In an engaging fireside chat with senior journalist and defense strategist Shri Nitin Gokhale, Joshi stressed the importance of a Whole-of-Government approach, proposing a clearly defined roadmap to enhance India’s Strategic Communication capabilities while addressing emerging information threats.
Insights from Dr. Mayank Sharma, Financial Advisor for Defence Services, enriched the discussion with his comprehensive research on Strategic Communication. He provided a financial and structural perspective on the necessity of developing sustainable institutional mechanisms to bolster India’s narrative capabilities.
The event included dynamic panel discussions led by national security experts such as Shri Vikram Sood (Former R&AW Chief) and Lt Gen Gautam Moorthy (Retd). These sessions focused on critical topics including Winning the Strategic Communication Domain and Institutionalising Strategic Communications. The discussions featured eminent panelists who advocated for the urgent need to create a Unified National Strategic Communication Framework, integrate technology effectively, foster collaboration among institutions, and invoke national resolve to attain cognitive and narrative superiority.
Key themes of the seminar encompassed:
– Institutionalising Strategic Communication within national frameworks
– Incorporating Strategic Communication into the national security doctrine
– Countering disinformation, misinformation, and hostile propaganda
– Leveraging technology for narrative shaping and outreach
This initiative, organized in collaboration with the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Current & Strategic Affairs (CASA), culminated in a strong consensus on the necessity of institutionalising Strategic Communication as a core facet of India’s national power.
ASCEND 2025 stands out as a significant milestone in the evolution of India’s Strategic Communication architecture, aligning with the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. It reaffirms the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering narrative resilience, enhancing cognitive preparedness, and promoting a unified national synergy.
