Ex-Army Chief General Manoj Naravane’s Insights on Operation Sindoor and the Realities of War

In a candid address during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India in Pune, former Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, shed light on the strategic significance of Operation Sindoor and highlighted the harsh realities of war.

Operation Sindoor: A Strong Message to Pakistan

General Naravane discussed the operations that took place last week, starting with Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces targeted terrorist camps and infrastructure across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). This operation, he noted, sent a strong message to Pakistan to halt its aggressive actions.

He emphasized that the strike was not just about sending a tactical blow to terrorist elements, but also about demonstrating the heavy price one pays when continuing a path of aggression. "The operation demonstrated that misadventures across the LoC come at a significant cost, which will be felt for a long time," he said.

Naravane also clarified that while the cessation of military operations had been announced, it did not equate to a formal ceasefire. "We have to wait and see how things unfold in the coming days and weeks," he said, leaving open the question of what lies ahead after the suspension of active military operations.

The True Cost of War: Not Like Bollywood Movies

While reflecting on the impact of war, General Naravane stressed that the reality of conflict is far from the glamorous portrayal often seen in Bollywood films. "War is not your Bollywood movie; it’s not a romantic adventure. It is serious business," he said.

He poignantly described the human toll of warfare, particularly the trauma it inflicts on families. "Children lose their parents, and sometimes children themselves become victims of indiscriminate shelling," he added, emphasizing the long-lasting psychological scars that war leaves behind.

War's Financial and Human Toll

General Naravane highlighted the enormous financial burden war places on a nation. The destruction of military equipment worth millions of dollars, the loss of life, and the long-term economic impact of rebuilding infrastructure are just a few of the consequences he discussed. "War is an expensive business, and its aftermath is even more costly," he remarked.

However, he stressed the importance of investing in defense and military capabilities to avoid conflict in the first place. "The debate over defense spending versus other sectors like education and healthcare is ongoing. But defense expenditure should not be viewed as wasteful. It’s an essential 'insurance' for the country. A well-prepared military not only helps deter conflict but also strengthens the local economy," Naravane added.

Diplomacy First: Avoiding All-Out War

Responding to questions about why India didn’t pursue an all-out war against Pakistan, General Naravane pointed out that diplomacy should always be the first approach. "Going to war is never the first choice. Diplomacy should always take precedence," he said, underlining the significance of dialogue and negotiation in managing international tensions.

In closing, General Naravane’s remarks were a timely reminder of the complex and costly nature of war, both in terms of human lives and financial resources, and the critical importance of a strategic balance between defense preparedness and diplomatic efforts.