China Will Be India’s Primary Long-Term Competitor, Warns Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane
New Delhi: Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has articulated a strategic roadmap for India’s national security, identifying China as the country’s most significant long-term competitor while emphasizing the persistent, albeit different, nature of the threat posed by Pakistan.
Speaking at the launch of his new book, The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, General Naravane provided a nuanced perspective on India’s geopolitical landscape. While acknowledging that India’s immediate focus remains tethered to its western border due to Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism, he highlighted that the strategic challenge posed by Beijing is of a broader, multi-dimensional scope.
A Multi-Domain Competition
General Naravane, who served as the Army Chief from 2019 to 2022, was careful to characterize the rivalry with Beijing as competitive rather than hostile. "I purposely use the word competitor and not enemy," he stated.
According to the former General, China is poised to challenge India across a wide spectrum, including political, economic, trade, and military spheres. He warned that in any field where competition is intense, the risk of friction remains, necessitating a sophisticated approach to conflict management.
The Role of Diplomacy and Deterrence
Despite the rising tension, General Naravane advocated for a dual-track strategy. He emphasized that India must prioritize diplomatic mechanisms and dialogue to resolve outstanding border disputes, arguing that the use of force should consistently be the "last priority."
However, he simultaneously underscored the absolute necessity of robust military preparedness. "If you want peace, prepare for war," he noted, echoing the classic adage. For the former Army Chief, maintaining a credible military deterrent is the only effective way to prevent potential misadventures by adversaries and ensure that differences do not escalate into full-scale conflict.
Ensuring Regional Stability
Beyond the immediate threats from neighbors with whom India shares unsettled borders, General Naravane addressed the importance of a stable regional environment. He noted that instability in neighboring countries—such as Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar—can have direct, deleterious impacts on India, including refugee influxes, narcotics smuggling, and the illegal movement of arms.
"If your neighboring country is burning, that should not make you happy," he said, pointing to the ongoing crises in Myanmar as a primary example of how regional turmoil spills over into domestic security concerns. He concluded that it is in India’s strategic interest to actively assist in the stability of its neighbors, as a secure and peaceful neighborhood is a prerequisite for India’s own internal development and national progress.
As India navigates an increasingly complex global order, General Naravane’s insights underscore the balance New Delhi must strike: fostering diplomatic resolution while ensuring its armed forces remain a formidable shield against any shift in the status quo.
