Ex‑Army Chief Naravane Says China Will Be India’s Main Long‑Term Competitor
· India · Hindustan Times, NDTV, India Today
Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane said China will be India’s main long‑term competitor across politics, economics, trade and military affairs. He made the remarks at the launch of his book “The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries” in Pune on Aug 21, 2026. Naravane distinguished China from Pakistan, noting that India’s immediate focus on Pakistan stems from its support for terrorism and unsettled borders. He said Pakistan and China belong to a different “ballgame” and that India must maintain strong deterrence while seeking dialogue with Beijing. He emphasized that any use of force should be a last resort and that disputes should be resolved through talks and diplomatic mechanisms.
Why it matters
Naravane’s assessment signals a shift in India’s strategic priorities, prompting policymakers to allocate resources for a broader China rivalry. It also underscores the need for diplomatic engagement to manage potential conflicts on multiple fronts.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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