The School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies of Rashtriya Raksha University inaugurated a week-long certificate course on Information Warfare, aimed at delving into the fundamental concepts, doctrines, evolution, and strategic significance of IW in the current security environment. The inaugural session was addressed by the Hon'ble Governor of Bihar, Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.), PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM & Bar; one of the pioneers of the subject in India.

Lt Gen Hasnain described information warfare as a continuous cognitive battlefield in which the influence of beliefs and narratives has become more powerful than traditional military assets. He elaborated on social media as a force multiplier that has transformed information flow from a one-way to a multi-directional model, reiterated the “10 Cs” of strategic communication – Context, Clarity, Customer, Credibility, Consistency, Coordination, Chronology, Change readiness, Connections, and Counter & Conceal – as guiding principles for effective information operations. Drawing on case studies including Iran, the Arab Spring, and Jammu & Kashmir, he stressed that bullets affect individuals, while narratives can influence thousands. Furthermore, he also spoke about Information warfare in modern conflicts – information and influence operations are integral across all conflict types, including hybrid and grey zone warfare. The battlefield extends beyond the physical domain to include the cognitive and informational terrains.

Prof. Dr Kalpesh Wandra, Pro Vice-Chancellor of RRU, delivered the introductory address, describing information as both a weapon and a shield in national security, resonating with the Prime Minister's vision of a strong, secure, and self-reliant digital India. The welcome address was delivered by Dr Ashutosh Mukund Pandey, Director of the School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies, and the session was moderated by Dr Aparna Varma, Assistant Professor at RRU.

Scheduled from 18 to 23 August 2026, the course is set to cover a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of information warfare, psychological warfare, regional case studies, and the intersection of information warfare with cyber operations, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and social media, coordinated by Dr Aparna Varma and Dr Pramjit Singh, Assistant Professors at the School of Internal Security, Defence and Strategic Studies. The first day witnessed a lecture session by Maj Gen (Dr) Bipin Bakshi (Redt.), AVSM, VSM and Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Smt Ruchira Kamboj, who discussed the diplomats’ role in IW and strategic communication, emphasising that the United Nations is a complex theatre where each member brings in a distinct perspective and narrative.

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