Amidst a week marked by high military tension and a suspension of hostilities with Pakistan, former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane delivered a powerful message on the realities of war and the necessity of diplomacy, stating, “War is not your Bollywood movie.”
Speaking at an event organized by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India in Pune on Sunday, General Naravane addressed growing public sentiment questioning the cessation of military action between India and Pakistan. He reminded the audience that while the Armed Forces are always ready to fight if required, diplomacy must remain the first choice.
“War or violence should be the last thing we resort to. Although war may be forced upon us by unwise actors, we should not cheer for it,” Naravane emphasized. “As a military man, I will go to war if ordered, but that will not be my first choice.”
The former Army Chief was referring to the events of the past week, which began with Operation Sindoor—a series of Indian strikes targeting terrorist camps and infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). These were followed by four days of intense cross-border engagements before a suspension of hostilities was announced.
Clarifying the nature of the pause in military activity, General Naravane noted, “It is only a cessation of military operations, not a ceasefire as such. Watch how things unfold in the coming days and weeks.”
He explained that the decision to halt hostilities came after India’s successful demonstration of its military capabilities, which included strikes on terrorist targets and airfields deep inside Pakistani territory. “We showed Pakistan that continuing their path would carry a high cost, which ultimately led their DGMO to reach out to ours to discuss a ceasefire,” he said.
Beyond the strategic rationale, General Naravane highlighted the social costs of war—from civilian casualties in border areas to long-term psychological trauma such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “No one accounts for the lives lost, the children who grow up without parents, or the generational trauma inflicted on affected communities,” he added.
He also addressed the long-standing debate on military spending, describing defence allocation as a national insurance premium. “A well-prepared military deters aggression. If you are well-equipped, others will think twice before attacking you,” he stated. India’s defence ministry currently accounts for approximately 15% of the national budget.
General Naravane concluded with a broader appeal for national unity and peaceful resolution of conflicts. “We are all equal stakeholders in national security. Differences—whether between countries, states, communities, or even families—must be resolved through dialogue, not violence.”
His remarks serve as a timely reminder of the grave responsibilities carried by military decisions, and the need for a balanced approach that values peace, preparedness, and prudence over impulsive escalation.
