An avoidable standoff:How NDA can restore its relationship with the media

Editor's Note :

This MVI coverage is a follow up to our story of 1/ 2 Dec 2025 on Media Boycott of NDA PoP on 30 Nov 2025 .

The media boycott was an unprecedented event in the chequered history of NDA . Hence, there was an imperative need to go down to the root causes for this sad episode which prevented the usual detailed front page coverage of the PoP by ToI and other newspapers across the country.

MVI received this comprehensive feedback / report to project the media side of the story . We hope that all necessary steps/ actions will be taken by both sides ( Media & NDA ) to prevent such sad / unfortunate episodes/ incidents in future.

Editor ,MVI

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An avoidable standoff: How NDA can restore its relationship with the media

The recent walkout by the media during the National Defence Academy’s Passing Out Parade (POP) triggered widespread debate.

Much has been spoken, argued, and analysed in public forums, veteran groups, and defence circles.

Even the Navy Chief’s remarks drew sharp reactions from several veterans, especially those who are alumni of the academy.

But amid all the noise, very few have actually examined what the media was asking for and why.

What the media wanted:

The demand put forth by reporters was not extraordinary. In fact, it was the most basic professional requirement: to be positioned at the right spot to capture the parade accurately, comprehensively, and without obstruction.

Across political events, public programmes, cultural functions or felicitation ceremonies, the media is placed in vantage locations. Not as a privilege, but because the nature of their work demands it.

The same was being requested at NDA, simply the rightful position where the media has been seated for decades to cover every aspect of the parade.

It is important to remember that 30 to 40 journalists, photographers, and cameramen typically cover the POP. Their coverage reaches lakhs of readers across languages, especially through vernacular media.

What went wrong:

This year, NDA officials unilaterally changed the media enclosure location.

Reporters made a straightforward request:

restore the traditional seating arrangement that had worked smoothly for years.

However, the officials seemed to misinterpret the media’s operational needs. Their primary concern appeared to be that photographers might obstruct the view of VIPs seated nearby.

To avoid VIP inconvenience, the media was shifted to a corner location that was unsuitable for coverage.

In other words, the priority was to prevent potential complaints from seniors rather than ensuring accurate public coverage of the event.

This approach was visible in the tone of conversations and arguments on the ground.

This was not the first instance of friction. In earlier POPs too, reporters and officers have disagreed over certain restrictions.

Yet, the media has consistently upheld decorum:

Photographers have never crossed the main marking line on the drill square except once in many years.

They are placed close to the line only to capture low-angle shots, not to encroach on parade space.

Movement happens only when marching columns come near the reviewing officer’s dais.

Any obstruction, if at all, lasts a few seconds, not throughout.

VIPs sit on an elevated platform with a clear angle of vision. Their overall view remains unobstructed for 99% of the parade.

Why media coverage matters:

For decades, interviews with passing-out cadets, especially medal winners, have revealed a common thread: inspiration.

A life-changing moment can arise from anywhere: watching aircraft overhead, seeing tanks in movies, witnessing a para-jump video, reading about the armed forces in a newspaper. Yes, newspaper write-ups have played a role in motivating future officers.

Vernacular media, which reaches deep into rural belts, has been particularly instrumental.

Even if one student from a small village decides to join the armed forces after reading an article, the impact is enormous.

That student could someday rise to become a senior military leader.

What the media needs to improve:

While coverage of ceremonial military events is essential, there are several areas where media conduct can be significantly improved to ensure the dignity of the occasion and smooth coordination with the academy staff.

Reporters and camera crews should keep their on-ground discussions to the bare minimum.

At times, their chatter becomes louder than expected, disturbing the ambience of the parade and distracting both participants and viewers.

Media personnel should follow a basic dress code suited to the formality of the event.

Wearing neat jackets, formal attire, and proper shoes not only reflects professionalism but also complements the overall decorum and visual aesthetics of the ceremony.

Continuous repositioning, walking into restricted spaces, or shifting equipment during sensitive moments disrupts the flow of the event.

The media must remain stationary during key segments and avoid entering the parade ground unless explicitly permitted.

Proactivity is welcome, but freelancing movements can create security and protocol issues.

Media teams should coordinate with the designated officers before shifting from one location to another or beginning any special coverage activity.

A quick nod or approval can prevent misunderstandings and ensure flawless coverage.

What needs to change:

The NDA once maintained a strong and healthy rapport with the media.

Over the last decade, they made conscious efforts to familiarise journalists with academy life:Guided visits to training establishments like ATT, NTT, and AFTT, Regular briefings and interactions with officers, Open channels of communication, even during sensitive incidents such as cadet deaths or training accidents. This trust helped both sides.

Reporters covered negative developments responsibly, with context and clarity.

On a few occasions, even senior officers such as the Commandant or Deputy Commandant personally reached out to request a softer tone in coverage, and the media obliged when justified.

Such relationships helped preserve the academy’s public image.

International ramifications:

There is a deeper and largely unacknowledged dimension to the media walkout, one that neither the NDA nor the media fully recognised at the moment: its global impact.

Such a public disagreement at one of India’s premier military institutions does not remain confined to domestic debate.

Incidents like this can easily be picked up by international media, sometimes with interpretations that carry damaging implications.

Imagine Pakistani newspapers giving this walkout prominent coverage and framing it as an example of how the Indian military “mishandles” or “disrespects” the press.

Or global news agencies portraying it as a breakdown in trust between two pillars of democracy: the armed forces and the free press.

The optics can quickly shift from a minor administrative dispute to a narrative suggesting:

“This is the level of coordination between India’s media and its military establishment.”

For an academy with the legacy, prestige, and international reputation of the NDA, such perception damage would be disproportionate and unnecessary.

This is precisely why both sides must act with a higher sense of responsibility and foresight.

Both the NDA and the media share an obligation to ensure that such incidents do not overshadow the dignity of the academy or the credibility of Indian journalism.

The way forward:

To avoid situations like the recent walkout, NDA needs to:Re-establish periodic interactions with the media, understand the practical requirements of photographers and reporters and provide regular updates on academy developments, particularly positive ones.

Maintain transparent, two-way communication.

Ultimately, media coverage plays a vital role in shaping how the public, especially the youth, perceives the armed forces.

Honouring professional requirements and rebuilding rapport will benefit not just the academy, but the nation.