Kolkata, June 6: Former Indian Army Chief, General (Retired) M.M. Naravane, stated on Saturday that Pakistan is hardly a mediator in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. He described Pakistan’s role as merely that of a “courier service” amid its attempts to position itself as a facilitator for peace talks.
Pakistan has been trying to establish itself as a mediator for reconciliation between the U.S. and Iran. In this context, General Naravane remarked, “There is no question of ignoring anyone. Pakistan is hardly playing the role of a mediator. They are just a courier service.”
Commenting on the Iran-U.S. conflict and its potential impact on global trade and security, General Naravane emphasized the close relationship between national and economic security. He stated, “National security has always been linked to economic security. In fact, it is the economy that drives everything else. Therefore, our focus has always been on being self-sufficient and self-reliant, especially in terms of global trade. It is impossible to completely isolate ourselves from global shocks. However, we aim to diversify our sources and supply chains while prioritizing domestic production to prepare for any future disruptions.”
Highlighting the need to adapt in a rapidly changing world, the former Army Chief noted that geopolitical uncertainties are not new. He explained, “Conditions around the world are always changing. This has not just happened today; it has been a constant throughout history. Adapting to these changes is essential. While doing so, we must always consider the benefits to our country and think about what is best for our people. If this remains our guiding principle, all decisions will ultimately serve the long-term interests of the nation.”
Regarding military modernization, he stated, “Military modernization is an ongoing process. It never ends. It is part of continuous efforts to modernize the Army, Navy, and Air Force. We will emphasize purchasing indigenous equipment as much as possible.”
In response to questions about India-Bangladesh relations, Naravane expressed confidence that despite periodic challenges, bilateral ties are improving. He remarked, “Relations between countries always experience ups and downs. A downturn does not necessarily have to be viewed negatively. Often, after a bad phase, there is a resurgence. I believe that the direction of India-Bangladesh relations is once again becoming positive and upward.”
On border issues with Bangladesh, Naravane stated, “There is nothing new here. The fencing along the Bangladesh border has been ongoing for over a decade. This task is particularly challenging due to the riverine terrain. This work has been in progress for a long time, and the remaining sections, especially between West Bengal and Bangladesh, are being covered to ensure complete fencing along the border.”
Discussing the increasing role of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare, Naravane noted that recent conflicts have highlighted their strategic importance. He said, “Not just quadcopters, but in recent years, all types of UAVs have played significant roles in conflicts, from Ukraine to the ongoing situation between Iran and the U.S. Learning from these experiences, Indian security forces have significantly increased their focus on acquiring drones for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In this area, domestic companies and MSMEs play a crucial role in producing a large number of drones.”
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