‘Pakistan Se Jung Ladi, Ab China Se Muqabla?’ Ex-Army Chief Naravane’s Big Warning For India

Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane says China will be India’s main long-term competitor while Pakistan remains a security challenge due to terrorism and border issues.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 21 August 2026, 11:14 AM IST

Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane (Img: X, Indian Army)

New Delhi: Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has said that while Pakistan continues to remain a security concern for India due to terrorism and border issues, China is likely to emerge as New Delhi’s biggest long-term competitor.

Speaking at the launch of his book ‘The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries’, General Naravane highlighted that India faces different kinds of challenges from both neighbouring countries.

“Pakistan and China are a totally different ballgame. We have fought wars with both of them. We have unsettled borders. So they will always remain on our radar as a threat, as a challenge,” he said.

China To Be India’s Main Competitor

General Naravane said India’s immediate focus on Pakistan is largely because of the continuing threat of terrorism, but the nature of competition with China is much broader.

“We have fought major wars with Pakistan, and because of their continued support to terrorism, our attention is towards our western borders. But I think we are very clear that in the long term and in the years to come, China is going to be our main competitor,” he said.

However, he clarified that he deliberately used the word “competitor” and not “enemy”, pointing out that rivalry between nations can exist across multiple areas.

According to him, China and India will compete in sectors including politics, economy, trade and military strength.

Dialogue Along With Strong Defence

The former Army chief stressed that differences between countries should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy, but India must maintain strong military preparedness.

“Taking recourse to the use of force should always be the last priority,” he said, adding that strong deterrence is necessary to prevent any possible misadventure.

General Naravane also said that countries cannot choose their neighbours and must find ways to manage relations through diplomacy and strategic readiness.

Pakistan Remains A Security Concern

While highlighting China’s long-term significance, General Naravane said Pakistan continues to remain a challenge because of its support to terrorism and unresolved border issues.

He added that India must remain prepared on all fronts while balancing diplomacy with national security requirements.