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Not An Inch Lost To China During Ladakh Standoff: Ex-Army Chief MM Naravane
Former Army Chief General Manoj Naravane defended his claim that India did not lose any territory during the 2020 Ladakh standoff, reiterating his stance in an ANI interview. He said the armed forces must remain apolitical and discussed the civil-military decision-making process, while noting that his unpublished memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny' awaits government clearance and has sparked a parliamentary row.
Why It Matters
The remarks frame the Ladakh narrative and reinforce the apolitical posture of the armed forces. The controversy highlights civil-military boundaries and book-clearance processes.
Timeline
2 Events
Naravane defends no territory was lost to China in 2020 Ladakh standoff; exclusive ANI interview
April 24, 2026
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Naravane reiterated that India did not lose any territory during the 2020 eastern Ladakh standoff. He explained that political leadership does not directly interfere in military affairs and that decisions are taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the Prime Minister; he added that armed forces act on the orders of the Chief, while emphasising that the institution should remain apolitical. Naravane distinguished between the organisation and individuals, and noted that his memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny' remains unpublished pending government clearance.
Parliamentary row over Naravane's unpublished memoir
2026
The controversy surrounding General Naravane's unpublished memoir 'Four Stars of Destiny' erupted in Parliament earlier in 2026, with lawmakers challenging the book's contents that relate to the 2020 Ladakh standoff.