Indian Army’s Eastern Command Adopts Regional Languages to Strengthen Connect in Northeast

In a significant move in defence communication strategy, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command has begun using regional languages on its official social media platforms to deepen engagement with local populations, especially in the strategically sensitive east northeastern states bordering China.

For the first time, official updates have been posted in Bengali, Assamese and Manipuri (Meitei), a move aimed at making the Army’s outreach more inclusive, accessible, and emotionally resonant with the people of the region. “Today’s tweet for Durand Cup has done in vernacular languages by Eastern Command. For the first time we are doing in Bengali and Assamese apart from Hindi and English. Endeavour is to reach one and all”, said an official.

This outreach is not merely symbolic. Given the heightened strategic focus on the Indo-China border, particularly in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and parts of Assam, this vernacular approach is being seen as a vital tool in building trust, countering disinformation, and enhancing situational awareness among civilians.

“It is important that villagers and citizens across the country, especially in border areas, understand what the Indian Army stands for. From the Bengal border to Arunachal Pradesh, these are sensitive zones. Misinformation often spreads easily. Our goal is to build trust and provide a sense of security with information” said an official.

The Eastern Command’s new communication strategy made its debut with updates about the 2025 Durand Cup officially known as the Indian Oil Durand Cup in Bengali and Manipuri. The 134th edition of Asia’s oldest football tournament is jointly hosted by the Durand Football Tournament Society, the AIFF, and the Indian Armed Forces, along with state governments of West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Jharkhand. Given the tournament’s deep cultural relevance in Bengal and the Northeast India, this move is seen as a strategic way to foster emotional and cultural bonds between the armed forces and the civilian population.

The Army plans to expand the use of regional languages across its digital platforms, reinforcing its presence and partnership with citizens living in frontier regions. As India strengthens its posture in the East, this people-centric communication approach is being positioned as a key element of national integration along the country’s eastern frontier.