Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Naravane Says China Is India’s Main Long-Term Competitor
Former Indian Army chief General Manoj Naravane said China will likely be India’s biggest competitor in the future.
He called China a “competitor,” not an “enemy.”
He said the competition could involve politics, business, trade and the military.
Pakistan remains an immediate concern because of terrorism and tensions along India’s western borders.
Naravane said India should try to solve disagreements with China through talks and diplomacy.
He said using force should be the last choice.
He also said India’s military must stay ready to discourage dangerous actions.
Stable neighbouring countries can help prevent refugees, smuggling, drugs and illegal weapons from crossing into India.
Former Army chief General Manoj Naravane said China, not Pakistan, would be India’s main long-term competitor.
He said China’s competition with India could span political, economic, trade and military affairs.
Naravane described Pakistan as India’s immediate security focus because of the continuing threat of terrorism and unsettled western borders.
He urged India to manage differences with China through talks and diplomatic mechanisms, keeping force as a last resort.
Naravane called for strong military deterrence and stability in Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar to limit cross-border risks.
- Who
- Former Indian Army chief General Manoj Naravane.
- What
- Naravane said China is India’s main long-term competitor, while Pakistan remains an immediate security concern.
- When
- The remarks were made on Thursday at the launch of Naravane’s book.
- Where
- At the launch of The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries; the specific venue was not stated.
- Why
- Naravane said China could compete with India across several domains, while instability in neighbouring countries could create security and development challenges for India.
- Speaker
- General Manoj Naravane, former chief of the Indian Army
- Long-term competitor
- China
- Immediate security focus
- Pakistan, particularly because of continuing terrorism and unsettled western borders
- Competition areas
- Political, economic, trade and military affairs
- Recommended approach
- Use talks, dialogue and diplomatic mechanisms to manage differences; keep force as a last resort
- Military policy
- Maintain credible deterrence and keep the armed forces prepared at all times
- Book
- The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, published by Rupa Publications
Sources
China, not Pak, is India's main competitor: Ex-Army chief
China to be India's main long-term competitor, strong military deterrence needed: Ex-army chief Naravane
China vs Pakistan: Former Army chief Gen Naravane explains India's two very different security challenges
China, not Pakistan, is India's long-term strategic competitor: Ex-Army chief Naravane
