Recent revelations from General Manoj Mukund Naravane’s unpublished memoir, “Four Stars of Destiny,” highlight the chaos during the China-India border crisis in 2020. As former Chief of Army Staff, Naravane shares a critical incident from August 31, 2020, which underscores the precarious situation faced by Indian forces.
Key Events of the Border Crisis
On the evening of August 31, at 8:15 PM, Lieutenant General Yogesh Joshi, the head of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, received alarming news. Four Chinese tanks, backed by infantry, were advancing towards Rechin La in eastern Ladakh.
Immediate Response and Tensions
This advance threatened Indian positions on the strategically important Kailash Range, which had just been secured during a tense skirmish with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Within this disputed area, every meter gained holds significant military value, crucial for operational control.
Despite firing an illuminating round as a warning, the Chinese tanks continued their advance unhindered. Naravane, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, initiated urgent communications with top officials, including:
- Rajnath Singh – Defence Minister
- Ajit Doval – National Security Advisor
- Bipin Rawat – Chief of Defence Staff
- S. Jaishankar – External Affairs Minister
Throughout these conversations, Naravane’s primary question was, “What are my orders?” He faced increasing frustration due to the lack of a decisive response from his superiors.
The Absence of Clear Orders
As tensions escalated, time was critical. By 9:10 PM, General Joshi reported that the tanks were less than a kilometer from Indian territory. Further attempts to obtain clear directions from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at 9:25 PM were met with silence.
This lack of clarity and decisive action underpins the broader challenges faced by the Indian military during this crisis. Naravane’s account offers a glimpse into the complexities of command during border engagements, where swift decisions can have far-reaching consequences.
Reflection on Military Protocols
The incident serves as a reminder of the need for efficient communication and decision-making protocols in the military, especially during high-stakes confrontations. General Naravane’s experience emphasizes the vital necessity for clarity in orders amidst chaotic situations.
As tensions continue between India and China, especially along the disputed Line of Actual Control, insights from military leaders like Naravane become invaluable for understanding the implications of these border crises.
