'China will be India's main competitor': Ex-Army chief Naravane
Former Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane has identified China as India's primary long-term competitor across political, economic, and military domains. He distinguishes this from the threat posed by Pakistan, which he characterizes as an immediate security challenge driven by terrorism.
Why it matters
This perspective from a high-ranking former military official highlights the shifting strategic priorities of India's national security apparatus in the face of rising regional tensions.
NEW DELHI: Former Army chief General MM Naravane (Retired) on Thursday described China as India's "main competitor" in the years ahead, despite India having fought wars with both China and Pakistan."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," PTI quoted Naravane as saying at a book launch event in New Delhi.However, he distinguished between the two, saying India's immediate focus on Pakistan was driven largely by the continuing threat of terrorism, while describing China as a "competitor" rather than an "enemy." He emphasised that he had "purposely" used the term "competitor" for China."We have fought major wars with Pakistan, and because of their continued support to terrorism, our attention is towards our western borders.
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