General Manoj Mukund Naravane Addresses Controversy Surrounding His Unpublished Memoir
General Manoj Mukund Naravane has addressed the political controversy surrounding his unpublished memoir, denying claims that the government abandoned the military during the 2020 India-China standoff. He emphasized the trust the government placed in the armed forces, granting him full decision-making freedom during the crisis. Additionally, Naravane has authored a new book inspired by Shashi Tharoor, sharing intriguing military anecdotes. This article delves into the details of his statements and the insights from his latest work, promising an engaging read for those interested in military affairs.
| Apr 24, 2026, 09:44 IST
General Naravane Breaks Silence on Political Controversy
Former Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has finally spoken out regarding the political uproar surrounding his unpublished autobiography. He firmly dismissed claims suggesting that the government had left the military 'alone' during the 2020 India-China standoff. General Naravane clarified that the government stood firmly with them during challenging times.
In interviews with various news channels, he explained that during the tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, the government granted him 'full freedom' to make decisions.
Understanding the Trust in Military Leadership
He elaborated on the phrase 'do what you deem appropriate,' indicating that it reflected the government's strong trust in the Indian Army.
General Naravane, who served as the Army Chief from December 2019 to April 2022, stated in an interview, "I interpret this as being given complete freedom for operations, allowing me to act based on my understanding, as I was more aware of the ground realities and the capabilities of my soldiers." He further added, "In this context, I believe leaving it to military leadership was a very sound decision. It demonstrates the government's level of trust in its armed forces."
Controversy Surrounding Naravane's Memoir
Before the commencement of this year's parliamentary budget session, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the government, referencing a portion of Naravane's unpublished memoir, "Four Stars of Destiny." He claimed that the central government had abandoned the former Army Chief during the 2020 India-China standoff.
Gandhi even brought the memoir to Parliament, intensifying the controversy. Subsequently, the Delhi police initiated an investigation and issued a notice to the memoir's publisher, Penguin Random House India, seeking clarification regarding the leak. Following this, Naravane shared a statement from the publisher, asserting that no copies of the book had been 'printed or published in any digital form, distributed, or sold,' nor had it been made available to the public in any other manner.
Naravane's New Book Inspired by Shashi Tharoor
Meanwhile, inspired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Naravane has authored a new book titled "The Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries." In this book, the former Army Chief shares numerous anecdotes related to the armed forces.
Publishers stated, "Whether it’s the never-ending spirit of Baba Harbhajan, the fate of INS Khukri, the extraordinary tales of airmen and their call signs, or the remarkable courage of the army mule 'Pedongi'—you will find all this and much more in this highly entertaining yet meticulously researched book. It explores aspects of our armed forces that have rarely been highlighted, which are quirky and often very amusing."