STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION BY INDIAN ARMED FORCES ON COVID-19 : ASTUDY OF PRESS RELEASES DISBURSED BY DEFENCE PUBLIC RELATIONS,INDIA

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for governments and
organizations around the world, including the Indian Armed Forces. Effective communication
has been recognized as a critical component of the response to the pandemic, with the
potential to shape public perceptions of the government's actions and responses. In this study,
we analyze the strategic communication employed by the Indian Armed Forces during the
COVID-19 pandemic, using press releases from the Defence Public Relations in India.
Specifically, we seek to identify the key communication strategies and tactics used by the
Defence Public Relations in communicating the role played by the Indian Armed Forces and
Ministry of Defence in supporting the Government of India’s crisis management during covid
times. The methodology involves a content analysis of press releases disbursed by DPR
during the pandemic, using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. Findings of study
will shed light on the important role of strategic communication in projecting government's
response to the pandemic, and provide insights into effective communication strategies of
Indian Defence ministry and armed forces in case of non-war global military contingency.