New Delhi: Former Army chief Gen M.M. Naravane has said that China will be India’s main competitor in the coming years, while Pakistan will continue to remain a major national security challenge. Speaking at the launch of his book in Pune, the retired Army chief highlighted the different nature of challenges posed by the two neighboring countries and stressed the importance of dialogue, stability, and strong military preparedness.
Details of View of Gen M.M. Naravane On China And Pakistan
Speaking at the launch of his book The Curious And The Classified: Unearthing Myths And Mysteries, Naravane said India must view China and Pakistan differently.
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According to him, Pakistan remains a security concern mainly because of terrorism and unresolved border issues, while China represents a long-term competitor across several sectors.
China Seen As Long-Term Competitor
Naravane said China will compete with India politically, economically, commercially, and militarily. He emphasized that he deliberately used the word “competitor” rather than “enemy,” suggesting that competition between the two countries will continue for many years.
Pakistan Remains An Immediate Security Concern
The former Army chief noted that India’s immediate focus remains on its western borders because of terrorism-related concerns and past conflicts with Pakistan. He said the priority given to different challenges may change over time depending on geopolitical developments.
Gen M.M. Naravane On China And Pakistan: Dialogue Should Be The First Option
Naravane stressed that disputes should be resolved through talks, negotiations, and diplomatic channels whenever possible. He said the use of force should always be the last option after all peaceful mechanisms have been exhausted.
Strong Military Deterrence Is Necessary
While supporting dialogue, he also underlined the need for a strong and credible military. According to Naravane, armed forces must remain prepared at all times because military strength acts as a deterrent against misadventures by adversaries.
Remarks On Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
Naravane reiterated that India’s parliamentary resolution considers Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK) an integral part of India. However, he clarified that maintaining this claim does not automatically mean military action will be used to achieve it. The issue remains open-ended and any future development would require a defined process.
Winning People’s Confidence Is Important
The former Army chief said that if any future integration process takes place, winning the trust and confidence of local populations would be essential. He pointed to India’s experience in the Northeast, where long-term development and engagement helped reduce insurgency and improve integration.
Gen M.M. Naravane On China And Pakistan: Stability In Neighbouring Countries Matters
Naravane said India should support stability in neighboring countries because instability can directly affect India’s security and economic interests. He cited Myanmar as an example, noting that unrest in neighboring nations can lead to refugee movements, smuggling, illegal arms trafficking, and other cross-border challenges.
Why Stable Neighbours Are Important
According to Naravane, peaceful and stable neighboring countries contribute to regional security and development. He stressed that geopolitical realities require countries to work with their neighbors and support regional stability whenever possible.
Gen M.M. Naravane On China And Pakistan: Strategic Implications For India
India’s relationship with China increasingly involves competition in trade, technology, infrastructure, military capabilities, and regional influence. Border tensions and strategic competition have added new dimensions to bilateral relations in recent years.
Continuing Security Concerns From Pakistan
Pakistan continues to remain a major security concern for India due to cross-border issues, terrorism-related challenges, and longstanding disputes. This is why India’s security establishment continues to closely monitor developments along the western frontier.
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FAQs
According to Naravane, terrorism-related concerns, unresolved issues, and historical conflicts continue to make Pakistan an important security challenge for India.
He said India’s parliamentary position remains that POK is an integral part of India, but clarified that this does not necessarily imply military action and any future process would require a defined methodology.
Gen Naravane said China competes with India in political, economic, trade, and military fields, making it India’s primary long-term competitor.
