The Pune-headquartered Southern Command of the Indian Army organised a two-day seminar on Strategic Communication titled ASCEND 2025 – Aligning Strategic Communication for Enduring Narrative Dominance at the Rajendra Sinhji Army Mess and Institute (RSAMI), Pune, on October 10 and 11. The seminar aimed at achieving narrative dominance in the information age. Southern Army Commander Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth delivered the keynote address, while former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief and current Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) Alok Joshi was the Chief Guest. According to a press statement issued by Southern Command, ASCEND 2025 was conceived as a landmark initiative to institutionalise a consistent national effort toward achieving narrative dominance. The seminar brought together senior defence officials, policymakers, veterans, media professionals, academicians, and industry experts to deliberate on Strategic Communication as a vital instrument of national power. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, in his keynote address, said that Strategic Communication has emerged as a core function of national security. “India’s story must be rooted in truth, anchored in our values and aligned with firm actions to achieve enduring narrative dominance,” he said. According to Southern Command, a special fireside chat between Alok Joshi and senior journalist and defence strategist Nitin Gokhale provided insights into India’s evolving information environment and the necessity for a coordinated national approach. Joshi stressed the need for a “whole-of-government approach and a focused roadmap to strengthen national capabilities in Strategic Communication.” The seminar deliberated on key themes such as institutionalising Strategic Communication, its role in national security, countering disinformation and hostile propaganda, and integrating technology in narrative shaping. The discussions underscored the need for a unified National Strategic Communication Framework, with technology integration seen as pivotal for wider outreach and influence. Organised in collaboration with the Pune International Centre (PIC) and the Centre for Advanced Studies in Current & Strategic Affairs (CASA), the seminar concluded with a consensus on institutionalising Strategic Communication as a core component of national power. ASCEND 2025 marks a significant step in shaping India’s Strategic Communication architecture and aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, reflecting the Indian Army’s commitment to narrative resilience, cognitive preparedness, and national synergy, the Southern Command’s press release stated.
