Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has strongly responded to those questioning the recent suspension of hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying war should never be glorified or taken lightly.
“War is not romantic. It is not your Bollywood movie. It is very serious business,” Naravane said at an event hosted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India on Sunday.
Speaking just days after India and Pakistan agreed to cease all military actions by land, air, and sea following Operation Sindoor the former general reminded the public of the human cost of conflict.
“There is trauma in border areas. Children have to run to shelters at night. Families carry the pain of losing loved ones for generations,” he said. “Those who’ve seen violence can suffer PTSD and need psychiatric help even 20 years later.”
Naravane added that, as a soldier, he would always follow orders, even if it meant going to war — but that wouldn’t be his preferred route.
“As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war. But that will not be my first choice,” he said. “My first choice will always be diplomacy. Dialogue is the way forward.”
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that “this is not an era of war,” Naravane echoed the sentiment, saying, “Although war may be forced upon us by unwise people, we should not cheer for it.”
“We are all equal stakeholders in national security. Whether it’s between countries or within our own communities, violence is not the answer.”
