October 16, 2026: Eminent journalist and author Shekhar Gupta delivered an insightful lecture on “Information and Cognitive Warfare: Implications and Way Ahead for India” for officers attending the ongoing Higher Command Course at the Army War College (AWC), Mhow.
The lecture focused on the growing importance of information warfare, psychological operations and emerging digital technologies in shaping modern conflicts and national security strategies.
Addressing the participating officers, Shekhar Gupta highlighted how the nature of warfare is rapidly evolving beyond conventional military operations, with information and cognitive domains becoming increasingly significant in influencing perceptions, decision-making and strategic outcomes.
He emphasised the emerging threats associated with the weaponisation of information and the use of advanced technologies to influence human behaviour, public opinion and cognitive processes.
The discussion also examined the implications of these developments for India’s national security, particularly in an era when digital platforms, rapidly evolving technologies and information networks play a critical role in shaping the strategic environment.
Gupta stressed that building an information-resilient, technology-enabled and digitally empowered nation is essential for ensuring long-term security and stability.
The lecture provided officers with perspectives on the importance of digital proficiency, information awareness and understanding cognitive warfare as an increasingly important dimension of contemporary military strategy.
The interaction was particularly relevant for officers undergoing the Higher Command Course, which prepares senior military officers for greater command, operational planning and strategic leadership responsibilities.
The Army War College, located at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the Indian Army’s premier professional military education institutions, responsible for developing military leadership and enhancing the operational and strategic understanding of officers.
The session reflected the Indian Army’s continued emphasis on preparing future military leaders to address emerging security challenges, including those arising from technological advancements, information manipulation and the growing influence of cognitive warfare in modern conflicts.
