LUCKNOW, March 8 -- : "Better to be late than wrong" when disseminating information, former diplomat Ruchira Kamboj said on Saturday, underlining the importance of accuracy over speed in an era where narratives can influence national security outcomes. The remark came as the Indian Army's Central Command held its first-ever Strategic Communication Conclave in Lucknow. She was speaking to Hindustan Times on the sidelines of the conclave organised at the Surya Auditorium in Lucknow Cantonment, which brought together senior military officers, diplomats, communication professionals and media experts to deliberate on the growing role of information in modern conflicts.The discussions focused on the theme "Strategic Communication in the Emerging Info Space", with speakers highlighting how information and perception management are increasingly shaping outcomes in contemporary warfare. In his opening address, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command, said the nature of conflict has undergone a significant transformation, with the information and cognitive domains becoming an important part of the battlespace. He said perception now plays a crucial role in shaping legitimacy, influence and ultimately the outcome of conflicts.Speakers at the conclave also pointed to the growing weaponisation of narratives and emphasised that strategic communication needs to move beyond reactive responses and must be institutionalised with clear doctrine and capabilities. Referring to media's role in sensitive situations, Kamboj said accuracy must take precedence over urgency, citing Operation Sindoor where speculation and premature conclusions proved incorrect. The event ended with Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva stressing stronger institutional structures, processes and preparedness for evolving information challengeshtc...