Army Chief’s Memoir Reveals Modi Government’s Spin on China Border Crisis
General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who served as the chief of the Indian Army from December 2019 to April 2022, has shared unsettling details surrounding a critical incident during his tenure.
Chinese Military Movements Near the Line of Actual Control
On the evening of August 31, 2020, Lieutenant General Yogesh Joshi, the head of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, received alarming information. At 8:15 PM, he reported to Naravane that four Chinese tanks, supported by infantry units, were advancing towards Rechin La in eastern Ladakh.
These tanks moved within a few hundred meters of Indian positions on the Kailash Range. This region is vital, as the strategic high ground can significantly influence control over contested areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
A Dangerous Situation Unfolds
The Indian soldiers fired a warning shot in an attempt to halt the advancing Chinese. However, the show of force was ineffective as the Chinese continued their advance.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Naravane immediately contacted key figures in India’s political and military leadership. This included:
- Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister
- Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor
- General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Defence Staff
- S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs
In his upcoming memoir, titled *Four Stars of Destiny*, Naravane describes his frantic effort to obtain orders for managing the crisis. He faced a dilemma, as he had explicit instructions not to open fire without high-level clearance.
Desperate Calls and Lack of Orders
As minutes passed, the situation continued to escalate. At 9:10 PM, Joshi informed Naravane that the Chinese tanks were now less than one kilometer from the pass.
Despite repeated calls to Rajnath Singh seeking definitive orders, none were provided. The lack of clear directives amidst a rapidly deteriorating situation posed a significant challenge for Naravane and the Indian forces.
This incident highlights the complexities and tensions at the China-India border, showcasing the critical need for timely communication and decision-making in military operations.
