In his highly anticipated memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane has provided unprecedented insight into the high-stakes decision-making processes that governed India’s military response during the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff. Central to the narrative is the clarification of a phrase that has long intrigued defense analysts: “Jo uchit samjho woh karo” (Do what you deem appropriate).
The Weight of Command During the Galwan Crisis
The summer of 2020 marked one of the most volatile periods in Indo-China relations in decades. Following the violent clash in the Galwan Valley, where Indian and Chinese troops engaged in hand-to-hand combat, the atmosphere at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was electric with tension. General Naravane recalls the immense pressure of those nights, where the potential for full-scale escalation loomed over every tactical move.
According to the former Chief, the instruction “Jo uchit samjho woh karo” was communicated to him by the highest levels of the political leadership, including Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. While some might interpret such a directive as an abdication of responsibility, Naravane explains it was the ultimate expression of trust in military leadership.
Empowering the Ground Commander
In his book, Naravane elaborates that the mandate was not a vague suggestion but a strategic empowerment. By telling the military leadership to do what they deemed right, the government effectively removed the “red tape” that often hampers rapid response during a crisis. It allowed the Army to move tanks, reinforce positions, and match the Chinese buildup without waiting for bureaucratic clearance for every maneuver.
Strategic Autonomy in Action
The General highlights that this autonomy was crucial during the “Operation Snow Leopard,” where Indian troops successfully occupied strategic heights on the Kailash Range. This move surprised the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and gave India significant leverage in subsequent diplomatic negotiations. Naravane argues that had the military been forced to wait for specific step-by-step instructions, the window of opportunity would have closed.
Reflections on Civil-Military Relations
The memoir serves as a testament to the evolving nature of civil-military relations in India. Naravane notes that the clarity provided by the political executive during the standoff allowed the Indian Army to project strength and resolve. The phrase was a recognition that the “man on the spot” possesses the most accurate situational awareness and must be trusted to act in the nation’s best interest when seconds matter.
