In a scathing critique, former Indian Army Chief General M.M. Naravane has blamed political indecision for the country's failure to effectively counter the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) during the 2020 border standoff in Ladakh. In excerpts from his upcoming memoir, Naravane reveals how he was essentially "handed a hot potato" by the political leadership when tensions escalated, with the Defense Minister telling him to "do whatever you deem appropriate."
A Lack of Clear Direction
What this really means is that the Indian government failed to provide clear strategic guidance to the military when it was most needed. Instead of decisive action, the army chief was left to his own devices to navigate the complex geopolitical situation. As Naravane recounts, he was forced to weigh a range of factors - from the impact on the COVID-ravaged economy to global diplomatic considerations - rather than being empowered to take the necessary steps to push back against the Chinese incursion.
The bigger picture here is that India's political leadership was unwilling or unable to make the tough calls required to defend the country's territorial integrity. As BBC reports, the 2020 Ladakh clashes resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, marking the country's worst border conflict with China in decades. Yet, the political response appears to have been paralyzed by indecision.
Lessons for the Future
Naravane's revelations underscore the need for better civil-military coordination and a more proactive, strategic approach to national security. As the New York Times has noted, India's military modernization efforts have lagged behind China's, leaving it at a disadvantage along the disputed border regions. Going forward, India must address this capability gap while also ensuring that its political leadership is prepared to make tough decisions in the face of aggression.
Only then can the country truly defend its interests and avoid the kind of strategic failures that Naravane has laid bare. The stakes are high, and India cannot afford to be caught flatfooted again when confronted by an assertive China.