Former Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, has said that any armed conflict between India and Pakistan should not be romanticised, stressing that “war is not like a Bollywood film” and comes with severe human and economic costs.
Speaking in the context of Operation Sindoor and the recent ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan, he noted that the situation along the Line of Control remains fluid and it is still unclear how developments will unfold going forward.
He emphasised that real conflict is far from dramatic portrayals, highlighting that civilians—especially children—often suffer the most, including through displacement and casualties caused by shelling.
He also pointed to the heavy financial burden of warfare, noting that modern conflicts result in the destruction of expensive military equipment and long-term rebuilding costs that strain national economies.
At the same time, he argued that defence spending should not be viewed as wasteful. Instead, he described it as a form of “insurance” for national security, saying that a well-prepared military can help deter conflict and even contribute to economic stability.
On broader strategy, Naravane underlined the importance of diplomacy, stating that while he would follow orders if required, going to war would never be the first option and should be preceded by sustained diplomatic efforts.