After Pahalgam Attack, Gen. Naravane Reminds: War Must Be the Last Option, Not the First

Surat | Gujarat — In the backdrop of the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians and escalated tensions with Pakistan, India launched Operation Sindoor, a decisive counter-terrorism response that many are calling a war-like situation. As the armed forces intensified operations along the border, former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.) has reminded the nation and its entrepreneurs about the “real cost of war.”

Speaking at a power session on ‘The Cost of War: Strategic and Financial Lessons for India’s Startup Ecosystem’ organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in Surat, Naravane emphasized, “War should never be the first option. It must always remain the last. The financial, human, and psychological costs of war are immense, and India must be prepared not just militarily but economically and strategically.”

The General’s remarks come at a time when Indian forces are pressing hard under Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistan-backed terror infrastructure. Military officials have hinted that this operation is not just a retaliatory strike but part of a larger strategy to dismantle terror networks.

Nations across the globe are closely watching the India-Pakistan situation as border skirmishes intensify. Analysts fear escalation, though Indian leadership has made it clear that terrorism will not go unanswered.

Turning his address towards startups and entrepreneurs, Naravane stressed the importance of self-reliance in defense technology.

“Even today, we depend on foreign suppliers for fighter jets and other critical systems. The battlefield is evolving — it is now drones versus anti-drone systems. Startups must seize this opportunity to innovate with cost-effective, indigenous solutions,” he said.

He further noted that a strong startup ecosystem in defense will not only strengthen India’s military preparedness but also reduce dependence on imports during times of crisis.

Operation Sindoor has underlined the urgency of this vision. With defense expenditure soaring, Naravane urged the business community to “plan with resilience and discipline”, echoing the same principles soldiers live by on the battlefield.

The former Army Chief, who led India’s forces during critical years from December 2019 to April 2022, concluded by saying that while India must always prepare for the worst, its ultimate goal should be peace.