Pune: Southern Command Leads National Dialogue On Strategic Communication Through ASCEND 2025 Seminar
Pune: Southern Command Leads National Dialogue On Strategic Communication Through ASCEND 2025 Seminar
Pune, October 11, 2025: Headquarters Southern Command, organised a two-day seminar on Strategic Communication titled ASCEND 2025 – Aligning Strategic Communication for Enduring Narrative Dominance as a landmark and pioneering brand initiative on 10 – 11 Oct 2025 at RSAMI, Pune. Conceived as a game-changer, ASCEND sought to institutionalise a consistent national effort towards achieving narrative dominance in the information age.
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 in the information age.
Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, delivered the Keynote Address, he underlined that Strategic Communication has emerged as a core function of national security, and that India’s story must be rooted in truth, anchored in our values and aligned with firm actions to achieve enduring narrative dominance.
Shri Alok Joshi, Chairman, National Security Advisory Board, was the Chief Guest for the seminar. A special fireside chat between Shri Alok Joshi and senior Journalist and Defence Strategist, Shri Nitin Gokhale provided insights into India’s evolving information environment and the necessity for a coordinated national approach. Chairman NSAB , stressed on the need for a Whole-of-Government approach and a focused roadmap to strengthen national capabilities in Strategic Communication.
The seminar deliberated on key issues such as the Institutionalising Strategic Communication, Strategic Communication as part of National Security, Indian Perspective on Strategic Countering Disinformation, Misinformation and Hostile Propaganda, and the Integration of Technology in Narrative Shaping.
The deliberations recognised the need for a unified National Strategic Communication Framework. Participants agreed that the integration of technology will be pivotal in achieving 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 the need to institutionalise 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.
