Agencies | New Delhi:
Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane on Thursday said India’s immediate security focus on Pakistan is largely driven by the persistent threat of terrorism, while China is likely to emerge as New Delhi’s principal long-term competitor across political, economic, trade and military domains.
General Naravane, who served as Chief of the Army Staff from December 31, 2019, to April 30, 2022, said India faces distinct challenges from both its western and northern neighbours, despite having fought wars with each and continuing to face unsettled borders.
He made the remarks at the launch of his new book, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, published by Rupa Publications.
“Pakistan and China are a totally different ballgame. We have fought wars with both of them. We have unsettled borders. So they will always remain on our radar as a threat, as a challenge,” Naravane said.
Naravane said India’s immediate attention towards Pakistan remains linked to terrorism and developments along the western border. However, he identified China as the country that is likely to pose the greater long-term competitive challenge.
“We have fought major wars with Pakistan, and because of their continued support to terrorism, our attention is towards our western borders. But I think we are very clear that in the long term and in the years to come, China is going to be our main competitor,” he said.
Importantly, Naravane said he deliberately used the term “competitor” rather than “enemy”, indicating that the relationship would involve both rivalry and the possibility of managing differences.
He said competition with China could extend across several areas, including politics, economics, trade and the military.
“And wherever there is competition, there is always a little bit of conflict,” he said.
While emphasising the importance of military preparedness, the former Army chief advocated resolving differences with neighbouring countries through dialogue and diplomatic mechanisms.
He said the use of force should remain the last option and stressed the importance of sustained talks to manage disputes.
“It is up to us to try to resolve those conflicts, those differences, through the mechanisms of talks, dialogues. And taking recourse to the use of force should always be the last priority,” Naravane said.
At the same time, he underlined the need for India to maintain credible military deterrence so that it is prepared if diplomatic efforts fail.
“There comes a moment when you realise that this is not going to happen. And therefore, you have to have a strong deterrence,” he said.
Naravane also expressed confidence in the preparedness of the Indian Army, saying the force remains ready to respond to security challenges.
He emphasised that India must maintain cordial relations with its neighbours while safeguarding its national interests.
“You can’t choose your neighbours, in real life also, and in geopolitics also. You have to make the best of what you have,” he said.
His remarks underline a dual approach to India’s neighbourhood policy: maintaining strong military preparedness and deterrence while pursuing dialogue and diplomacy to prevent differences from escalating into conflict.
