Armed conflicts have always been shaped not just by kinetic means, but by the battle for hearts and minds, what we now refer to as mindspace. While kinetic actions are finite, Information Warfare (IW) is perpetual, setting the stage for continuous influence operations before, during, and after the conflict. In modern conflicts, the line between the tactical battlefield (TBA) operations and narrative warfare is increasingly blurred. As technology amplifies the reach and sophistication of these efforts, managing perceptions has become as critical as managing troops and weapons.

Drawing from recent experiences in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel- Iran and closer home, Op Sindoor, we see how targeted strikes can set the stage, but the real battle for legitimacy and public opinion is fought in the digital domain. Ukraine’s savvy use of social media, the Gaza and Op Sindoor narrative wars, or the US -Iran- Israel war have underscored that controlling the story is as crucial as controlling the ground.

Recent/Ongoing Conflicts

Point to note here is that Warfare itself is changing, and within that subtle shift ‘narrative wars’ have become even more important. Warring nations constantly change the narrative to claim victory body count, territorial gain, military losses, infrastructure, or the Victim Card. Whatever suits the narrative – and perceptions are formed accordingly.

Israel – Iran – US. High profile conflict in which Iran’s nuclear facilities became the main targets. However, prior to that, Iran’s top military leadership, nuclear scientists and military assets were targeted and neutralised. In turn, Iran focussed on Israel’s cities, Tel Aviv bore the brunt. And then suddenly the ceasefire was announced; everyone is claiming victory ever since!

Op Sindoor. Indian establishment worked towards a basic perception- Terror is unacceptable, and will invite disproportionate response. Surgical strike (Uri), Balakote and now Pahalgam – the response is escalating. Pakistan on the other hand changed the narrative to a dual between the two Air forces, calling India the aggressor…

Gaza, Israel. Hamas used surprise and made an effort to declare victory by showcasing its assault and lethality. It was aware of a response, but hoped for a proportionate one, in an effort to lure the IDF into tunnel warfare where it had a clear advantage. Its PR (showing off killings and hostages) however back fired. And Israel responded with a knockout. Proportionate response !!?

Ukraine- Russia war. Other than the destruction, the narrative is about who is responsible for the war. The verdict remains split till date. West’s domination over media helped drown the Russian narrative (and protests).

Key Points

             Nature of Narrative and Perception Management in Conflicts

o             Why kinetic operations alone cannot win modern wars – historical and contemporary examples of how narrative has shifted battle outcomes.

o             The role of pre-battle and post-battle narratives in consolidating gains or losses.

             Mindspace, the new Frontier

o             Moving beyond simple perception management—what is “mindspace”? How mindspace operations can paralyse an enemy’s decision-making loop.

o             Psychological dimensions of mindspace and how it shapes the adversary’s calculus.

             Media and Technology as Tools

o             Social media, traditional media, and the information ecosystem as primary battlegrounds.

o             The enabling role of technology, data analytics, AI, and cyber operations to identify target audience vulnerabilities.

o             The potential and limits of technology in shaping the narrative.

 Need for Sustained Strategy

o             Why ad-hoc narrative management fails. Theres a need for a doctrine-driven, long-term approach.

o             Integration of narrative shaping within the broader national security strategy.

o             Balancing overt and covert narrative management measures.

o Legal, ethical, and diplomatic considerations as narratives have ripple effects beyond immediate conflict zones.

The discussion will highlight that narrative and perception management cannot be treated as an afterthought or a reactive tool. It must be integral to operational and strategic planning. As we transition to an era of persistent information warfare, crafting narratives that resonate with both domestic and foreign audiences will be decisive. Technology will continue to evolve, but at its core, winning the battle for mindspace requires clarity of message, consistency of purpose, and cultural resonance.

While we emphasise technology as an enabler, the human element -the art of storytelling and cultural nuance remains the game-changer in mindspace operations.

The message that comes out is – narratives must be integrated into operational planning, ensuring that the enemy’s mindspace is disrupted even before the first missile is launched.

The essence of what modern conflicts demand which is striking a balance between hard power and the power of the story. If India continues to weave narrative control seamlessly into operations like Op Sindoor, it will amplify not just military might, but also strategic influence.

Technology in Narrative Wars

Technology is central to perception management and the shaping of narratives in modern conflict. How it plays a role across multiple dimensions:-

Social Media as the New Battlefield

             Real-time storytelling. Platforms like Twitter/X, Instagram, Telegram, and TikTok allow actors to broadcast their version of events within seconds.

             Virality over veracity. Emotionally charged content (even if misleading) spreads faster than verified information.

             Citizen journalism. Smartphones turn soldiers, civilians, and influencers into narrative agents.

Example. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy addressed global audiences directly via daily video updates humanising leadership and bypassing traditional media filters.

AI & Deepfakes

             Synthetic media tools can fabricate audio or video of enemy leaders saying or doing something inflammatory.

             Used to undermine trust, sow confusion, or provoke emotional reactions.

             Also used in positive narrative creation (e.g.,

CGI-aided recruitment or morale content).

Threat. Deepfake technology could simulate “surrender messages” from enemy leaders or generate false atrocities to discredit them.

Data Analytics & Target Audience Profiling

             Militaries and agencies use big data to understand audience psychology, media habits, and emotional triggers.

             Enables micro-targeted content tailored for

linguistic, cultural, and political resonance.

             Tools like sentiment analysis track shifts in perception, enabling rapid narrative recalibration.

Example. Political campaigns and state-sponsored IW units use analytics to craft culturally resonant memes or disinformation.

Cyber Operations & Hack-and-Leak Tactics

             Hacking into systems and selectively releasing or doctoring information—often just before or during operations can dominate the narrative cycle.

             Used to discredit, embarrass, or create political pressure.

Example. Leaks of Israeli troop movements or Iranian scientist lists have altered diplomatic dynamics.

Encrypted Apps & Closed Networks

 Platforms like Telegram and Signal allow propaganda or counter-narratives to spread rapidly without moderation.

             These become narrative safe havens impervious to fact-checking or regulation.

Surveillance, Drones & Combat Footage

             Tactical drone footage (especially of successful strikes) is weaponised into propaganda for psychological impact.

             Video from body cams or aerial platforms becomes storytelling tools in IW campaigns.

Example. Hamas used body-cam footage from 2023 attacks for psychological operations; Israel countered with drone strike videos.