General Naravane Dismisses Pakistan’s Mediation Claims, Stresses Self-Reliance and Military Modernisation

His remarks come amid Pakistan’s continued efforts to project itself as a mediator in the ongoing United States-Iran conflict and following its role in facilitating interactions between the two countries several months ago.

Speaking to reporters, General Naravane said there was no question of any country being overlooked in diplomatic engagements and rejected Pakistan’s claims of playing a significant mediating role.

“There is no question of anybody being overlooked or not overlooked. Pakistan is hardly an interlocutor; they are just a courier service,” he said.

Addressing the wider implications of the Iran-United States conflict on global trade and security, the former Army chief underlined the close relationship between national security and economic security. He said economic strength remains the foundation of national resilience and highlighted India’s efforts to strengthen self-sufficiency and self-reliance while remaining integrated with global trade networks.

He noted that no nation can completely insulate itself from global disruptions but emphasised the importance of diversifying supply chains and strengthening domestic production capabilities to withstand future shocks.

“National security has always been linked to economic security. In fact, it is the economy that drives everything else. Therefore, our effort has always been to be self-sufficient and self-reliant, of course within the context of global trade. It is not possible to completely isolate ourselves from the shocks that occur across the world. However, our efforts are focussed on diversifying sources and supply chains and giving importance to our domestic production so that we are prepared for any future shocks,” he said.

Highlighting the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, General Naravane said global affairs have always remained dynamic and that countries must continuously adapt to changing circumstances while prioritising national interests.

“The global situation has always been in a state of flux. It is not something that has happened only today. In the past as well, situations at the global level have always been dynamic. Therefore, the need of the hour is to adapt to these changes. While adapting, we must always keep our national interests in mind and consider what is good for the country and its people. If that remains our guiding principle, then all decisions taken will serve the long-term interests of the nation,” he said.

On the modernisation of the Indian Armed Forces, General Naravane described the process as continuous and essential. He said the Army, Navy, and Air Force remain committed to upgrading capabilities, with a strong emphasis on acquiring domestically manufactured equipment.

“Military modernisation is an ongoing process; it never ends. This is part of the continuous modernisation efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The focus will be on acquiring indigenous equipment as much as possible,” he said.

Responding to questions regarding India-Bangladesh relations, the former Army chief expressed confidence that bilateral ties are improving despite periodic challenges. He observed that international relationships naturally experience phases of fluctuation and suggested that relations between the two neighbouring countries are once again moving in a positive direction.

“Relations between countries always experience ups and downs. A downturn should not necessarily be viewed negatively. After a low phase, there is often an upward movement again. I believe the trajectory of relations between India and Bangladesh is once again moving upward,” he said.

Commenting on the ongoing border fencing project along the India-Bangladesh border, General Naravane said the initiative has been underway for more than a decade. He explained that the riverine terrain has made fencing operations particularly challenging, especially in stretches between West Bengal and Bangladesh, but added that efforts are continuing to ensure the entire border is eventually secured.

“There is nothing new about it. Border fencing with Bangladesh has been an ongoing effort for over a decade. It is a particularly challenging border to fence because of the riverine nature of the terrain. The work has continued for a long time, and the stretches that remained, especially between West Bengal and Bangladesh, are now being covered so that the entire border can eventually be fenced,” he said.

Discussing the growing importance of drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in modern warfare, General Naravane pointed to recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine and the current conflict involving Iran and the United States, as examples of how such technologies have transformed battlefield operations.

He said the Indian Armed Forces have significantly expanded their focus on drone procurement for all three services and highlighted the crucial role of domestic companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in manufacturing drones at scale.

“Not just quadcopters, but all kinds of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have played a major role in the wars we have witnessed in recent years, from Ukraine to the present conflict involving Iran and the United States. Learning from these experiences, the Indian Armed Forces have significantly increased their focus on procuring drones for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this area, indigenous companies and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises have a major role to play in producing drones in large numbers,” he added.

General Naravane’s remarks underscore India’s strategic focus on economic resilience, military modernisation, indigenous defence production, and regional stability at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and evolving security challenges across the world.