The 2020 border clashes between China and India went far beyond a single friction in the Galwan Valley on June 15. According to the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, Gen. Narawane, more than two months after the June 15 incident, the Indian army provoked another incident near Pangong Lake. On August 29, the Indian army confronted the Chinese side at the Takh Kong, and on the 31st tried to enter the Rechin Pass. However, the PLA quickly mobilized troops and equipment to respond, and eventually the Indian army was forced to abandon its attempt to take control of the Rechin Pass.
The border clash has sparked widespread attention and discussion, and has also been reported internationally. However, Admiral Naravane recalled that on August 31, there had been sporadic shooting incidents between China and India, with only a few shots. However, after careful study and judgment, the high-level leaders of the two sides believe that this is only an isolated incident and is not a signal for war.
For India's Army Chief of Staff Naravane, he had a decisive responsibility at a critical moment in the decision-making on August 31. According to his recollections, at that time, he had already received authorization from Prime Minister Modi, Defense Minister Manmohan Singh and *** adviser Doval to decide whether or not to go to war with the PLA at the Rechin Pass. Admiral Narravane recalled that the situation at that time was very urgent, and the Indian Defense Minister, the Chief, the Chief of Defense Staff, and the Advisers of India had frequent phone calls, making clear the bottom line of "never backing down". After much thought, Naravane eventually received a call from Defence Minister Manmohan Singh, telling him to "do whatever you see fit".
During this decision-making process, Naravane felt a heavy pressure. He took a deep breath and sat quietly for a few minutes. During this time, hundreds of different thoughts flashed through his mind. He then conveyed the gravity of the current situation to Singh and waited for Singh's reply. When the news came, Singh said he had discussed it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and believed that it was an entirely military issue for Naravane to decide. The importance of this decision cannot be overstated, and Naravane's choice could have a major impact on India's fate and his personal future.
Naravane realized that taking on the responsibility of waging war would be a huge risk whether it was success or failure. If India succeeds in winning this war, Modi and other top brass will immediately jump out and receive the honor. However, if the fight is lost or even defeated, Naravane will be the scapegoat and blamed for the war.
For Modi, the autumn of 2020 is a time when the pandemic is raging, the economy is in a downturn, and domestic grievances are boiling, and they need a foreign war or conflict to divert their attention, and taking a tough stance on China is a good choice. However, this choice is fraught with danger, as India's historic 1962 border war with China has dealt a near-devastating blow to India, and Modi does not want a repeat of the same mistakes. Therefore, he needs someone who can take the blame, and Naravane, the army chief of staff, seems to be the most suitable candidate.
Naravane is clearly aware of this, so he doesn't take the initiative to be the backstabber. After Singh's clear request, he immediately contacted the commander of the Northern Military District and told him that he must not be the first to **, because this would give the Chinese a reason to go to war, and the Indian side would become the aggressor. He also drove a tank team in front of the mountain pass, lowered the muzzle, and sent a signal to the PLA that it would not take the initiative to provoke a war.
Under the mutual calculations of India** and the military leadership, the war naturally cannot be fought. Naravane survived the critical moments of the conflict with the tension of being ready for war at all times, and in the end, no war began.
Although the Indian army tried to exaggerate its victory in the conflict after the fact, in reality, this border clash was a defeat for India. According to Naravane, the Indian army has seriously underestimated the strength, equipment and determination of the PLA.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Indian military began to reflect on its own strategy and tactics and strengthened cooperation with countries such as the United States, Australia, and Japan. Naravane said India needs to build a stronger military to achieve victory in the conflict with China. He believes that India should strengthen defense cooperation with the United States so as to acquire more advanced equipment and technology.
Naravane also said that India needs to strengthen cooperation with its neighbors to resolve border disputes through diplomatic means. He called on India to engage in dialogue with China to find a peaceful solution and avoid further conflict.
Relations between China and India have been further strained after the end of the border clashes in 2020. Both sides have stepped up their efforts in military deployments and military exercises, and the confrontation posture continues. However, the outbreak of a full-scale war is not in the interests of both China and India, as both countries will suffer huge losses.
Leaders and senior leaders of both sides should strengthen communication and dialogue to seek a peaceful solution through diplomatic means. At the same time, India should strengthen its own military strength and equipment, and strengthen cooperation with its neighbors to maintain stability and peace in the region.
In short, there are complex political calculations and games behind the border conflict between China and India in 2020. As a key decision-maker, Naravane made a wise choice in the face of enormous pressure and risks to avoid a war with potentially catastrophic consequences. However, this is only the current situation, and the possibility of a war in the future cannot be ruled out. The two sides should seek a solution through peaceful dialogue and avoid further escalation of the conflict.