Mumbai: Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane has issued a major strategic assessment on India’s national security, highlighting that while Pakistan remains an immediate focus due to terrorism, China will serve as India’s primary competitor in the long term.
Speaking at the launch of his new book, General Naravane offered a visionary take on evolving geopolitical realities, noting that New Delhi must balance peaceful diplomacy with formidable military preparedness.
Distinction Between Pakistan and China
Addressing India’s regional security challenges, the former Army Chief noted that India shares unsettled border disputes and a history of armed conflict with both Pakistan and China. However, he emphasized that both nations fall into entirely different categories.
According to General Naravane, India’s immediate strategic focus remains fixed on its western border due to Pakistan’s ongoing support for terrorism. In contrast, China is set to become India’s main competitor over the long term across multiple sectors, including politics, economics, trade, and military affairs. He added that wherever competition exists, the potential for conflict naturally remains.
Diplomacy First, Military Preparedness Essential
Demonstrating diplomatic prudence, General Naravane deliberately avoided using the word “enemy” when referring to China. He asserted that India must prioritize diplomatic channels and dialogue to resolve bilateral differences, viewing the use of force strictly as a last resort.
At the same time, he underlined the crucial necessity of maintaining robust military preparedness. To prevent any potential external misadventure, Indian armed forces must remain ready at all times. He highlighted that any nation desiring peace must be prepared for war to establish an effective military deterrence.
Need for Regional Stability
Reflecting on broader regional dynamics, General Naravane emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. He remarked that just as in real life, a nation cannot choose its neighbors in geopolitics and must strive to make the best of existing circumstances.
He cautioned that instability, violence, or refugee crises in neighboring states have a direct spillover effect on India’s security, triggering issues such as arms smuggling and illegal trafficking. Maintaining stability across the neighborhood, he concluded, remains vital for India’s own peace and development interests.
