Former Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, has broken his silence on India’s recent cross-border operation, saying that while Operation Sindoor dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s military and terror infrastructure, the situation remains delicate. Speaking at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India in Pune, General Naravane reflected on the events of the past week, calling it tumultuous and cautioning against viewing war through a romanticized or cinematic lens.
Referring to the recent escalation as a period of “intense aerial and land battles,” Naravane noted that the strikes were followed by a cessation of military operations—not a formal ceasefire. He emphasized that the decision to halt hostilities was a wise move, one that forced Pakistan to recognize the high cost of its aggression. However, he cautioned that the future remains uncertain and that the stability of the region will depend on how both sides proceed in the coming weeks.
The Heavy Cost of War: Human and Economic
General Naravane gave a sobering account of the real costs of war—both human and financial. He pointed out the widespread trauma suffered by civilians, especially children, in conflict zones. “War is not your Bollywood movie. It is serious business,” he said, adding that the romanticized notion of warfare often fails to convey the true suffering it inflicts. Children lose parents, families are displaced, and entire generations carry the burden of trauma. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is not confined to soldiers; it is a tragic consequence among civilians who experience bombardments, displacement, and loss.
On the economic front, Naravane warned of the staggering expense involved in military conflict. The loss of military hardware, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and the long-term impact on national economies are just the tip of the iceberg. “War is an expensive business,” he said, pointing out that each day of conflict racks up financial losses in millions and leaves behind a daunting trail of economic recovery.
Diplomacy is the First and Best Option
While asserting the military’s readiness to act when ordered, General Naravane reiterated that war is never his first choice. He emphasized the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as the primary tools of conflict resolution. “As a military man, if ordered, I will go to war. But that will not be my first choice,” he stated. He argued that well-funded, well-prepared armed forces serve as a deterrent, making large-scale conflicts less likely. Defense investment, therefore, is not wasteful expenditure but an essential form of national insurance.
He also underscored the importance of domestic unity and peaceful conflict resolution within the country. “Differences—be it within families, states, or communities—must be resolved through dialogue, not violence,” he said, calling for a national culture rooted in conversation and consensus, rather than confrontation.
The Real Message Behind Operation Sindoor
Two weeks after 26 civilians were killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched precise missile strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. These included nine key terror sites and several military targets. General Naravane noted that the operation sent a clear message to Pakistan: there is a steep price to pay for cross-border misadventures.
He stated that India’s calculated, restrained yet decisive military actions made Pakistan’s leadership reconsider their position. “That is what forced their hand and led to their DGMO calling up ours to talk cessation,” he said. He reminded the audience that while a night of calm had returned to Jammu and Kashmir and the international border, the emotional and strategic toll of recent events should not be underestimated.
In his concluding remarks, Naravane said, “War should never be something we cheer for. It should be our last resort. Let us always strive to solve our conflicts not through violence, but through understanding.”
