Sentiment Analysis for Indian Defence Ecosystem and Armed Forces

Today’s battlefields extend far beyond physical terrain into the digital realm, where military operations are won or lost through the power of perception. This study dives deep into how Sentiment Analysis (SA) has become a gamechanging intelligence asset for modern defence operations. When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, an extraordinary sentiment shift among Ukrainians was observed in public opinion. Analysis of public discourse on social media revealed a substantial transformation throughout the war with initial support for negotiations gradually giving way to increased resolve for continued resistance. This dramatic reversal, having deeply altered modern political outlook and military planning, compelled strategists to rethink the brass tacks. The strategic impact of SA on the conduct of military operations was further cemented during the Israel–Hamas conflict, where Israeli forces analysed over 400,000 Reddit conversations to identify emotional flashpoints and counter misinformation before it gained traction. As the operational landscape becomes increasingly asymmetrical, the application of SA in contemporary geopolitical theatres emerges as a substantial force multiplier, allowing defence strategies to shorten the OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop significantly.

A qualitative research study on AI-based sentiment analysis for strategic and geopolitical significance, focused on the Indian defence ecosystem and armed forces, was conducted as part of this study, wherein responses from 88 service officers including CAPF officers and academia were recorded. Notably, 40 per cent of respondents found it ‘very challenging’ to stay updated with strategic information. Additionally, key geopolitical focus areas, including China (85 per cent) and Pakistan (80 per cent), were identified as priorities for sentiment monitoring.

Some of the most advanced SA tools available were evaluated to explore these needs. Integrating SA in the overall Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) will enable the Indian Armed Forces to conduct proactive information dominance, neutralise adversarial narrative warfare and enhance strategic situational awareness. This study lays the groundwork for these advancements, offering a roadmap for integrating cutting-edge technology into national security effort.

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