MhowLt Gen Ajay Chandpuria, the Commandant of Army War College (AWC), Mhow addressed participants of the Information Warfare (IW) course, drawing critical connections between the historical foundations of information operations and the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and network-enabled operations.In a session rich with anecdotal examples drawn from military experience, the General officer underscored the growing importance of achieving narrative dominance as a vital instrument of national power in contemporary conflicts. He highlighted how controlling and shaping information narratives can decisively influence outcomes on and off the battlefield.The address took place at the Kautilya Hall of the AWC, a premier institution of the Indian Army dedicated to professional military education. The IW course equips selected officers with specialized skills in the science and art of Information Operations, including the effective use of disruptive technologies in cyber, electronic, and psychological domains.Narrative dominance, the ability to shape perceptions, influence audiences, and maintain credibility amid competing information flows, was positioned as a core strategic asset. Lt Gen Chandpuria stressed that in an age of pervasive digital connectivity, success in military operations increasingly depends not only on kinetic capabilities but also on the effective orchestration of information activities to support national objectives.This perspective aligns with broader global military thinking, where leading institutions recognize the information environment as a critical warfighting domain alongside land, sea, air, space, and cyber.
For the Indian Armed Forces, such training at institutions like AWC reinforces preparedness against hybrid threats and gray-zone tactics employed by adversaries.AWC continues to play a pivotal role in preparing senior leadership for multi-domain operations. By integrating historical wisdom with cutting-edge technological awareness, the IW Course ensures that officers are equipped to navigate and prevail in the complex battlespaces of the 21st century.This engagement reflects the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to evolving its doctrinal and operational frameworks in response to dynamic security challenges. As AI and networked systems reshape warfare, initiatives like the IW Course at AWC remain essential for building institutional expertise in information warfare.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
