General (Dr) Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) is a highly decorated and widely respected leader with over four decades of service in the Indian Army, culminating in his appointment as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. His illustrious military career spans strategic command roles, national security policymaking, international diplomacy, teaching,... Read more
General (Dr) Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd) is a highly decorated and widely respected leader with over four decades of service in the Indian Army, culminating in his appointment as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff. His illustrious military career spans strategic command roles, national security policymaking, international diplomacy, teaching, authorship and thought leadership. A veteran of the Sikh Light Infantry, he has commanded operations along India’s most sensitive frontiers, including the Western, Northeastern and Northern borders and has served in active peacekeeping and diplomatic roles abroad. General Naravane served as a faculty member at the prestigious Army War College in Mhow, where he mentored senior officers pursuing their M.Phil. dissertations, guiding them through critical research in strategic and military studies. He was a driving force behind the initiation of multiple ‘Make in India’ capital procurement projects, amounting to over ₹11,000 crore, significantly enhancing the Indian Army’s indigenous capabilities and reducing dependence on foreign defence equipment. General Naravane played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking decision to induct female cadets into the National Defence Academy (NDA), a historic move that marked a major milestone in promoting gender equality within the armed forces.
Throughout his tenure, he was actively involved in high-level negotiations with profound national security implications, demonstrating his expertise in strategic decision-making and defence diplomacy. Under his firm and visionary leadership, the Indian Army adopted a resolute and assertive posture along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), effectively turning the tide against the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and safeguarding India’s territorial integrity during a period of heightened tension.
With a unique blend of operational experience and academic depth, General Naravane’s contributions to defence reforms, counter-terrorism and military modernisation are reflected in his public lectures, academic papers and keynote addresses across global think tanks and forums, including the Raisina Dialogue, RUSI London and the USIP-IGF in Washington. His international experience includes serving as Defence Adviser in Myanmar and leading military delegations to over a dozen countries.
Beyond defence, General Naravane is deeply engaged in mentorship, governance and strategic advisory roles. He sits on advisory boards of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and udChalo and contributes regularly to national discourse through media, industry forums and think tanks such as ThePrint and ORF. As an Independent Director and founder of Amalisha Management and Consultancy Services LLP, he brings unmatched expertise in leadership, crisis management, strategic foresight and public-private collaboration, skills that are increasingly vital in today’s complex business and geopolitical environment.
Fluent in multiple languages and now a published author, General Naravane continues to inspire, influence and lead from beyond the uniform. General Naravane exemplifies leadership that transcends domains, from the battlefield to the boardroom. With a career defined by decisive action under uncertainty, he champions principled decision-making grounded in experience, ethics and resilience. His transition into the corporate world reflects his deep understanding of strategic planning, crisis management and governance.
General Naravane believes that military values, discipline, integrity and accountability, are not just relevant but essential in corporate leadership. As a mentor and advisor to several organisations, he brings clarity, vision and ethical foresight to every role he undertakes. Through his association with the Directors Institute, he continues to invest in lifelong learning and effective governance, all while sharing his insights through publications, talks and his recently authored military fiction novel, The Cantonment Conspiracy. As a dynamic mentor and global speaker, General Naravane champions the values of duty, integrity and strategic foresight. His leadership philosophy is rooted in decision-making under uncertainty and ethical considerations.
Through his speaking engagements at prestigious forums or his insightful writings in publications like ThePrint, he continues to shape the narrative of modern leadership, blending military tradition with progressive, global perspectives. General (Dr) Manoj Mukund Naravane stands as a paragon of leadership, seamlessly bridging the worlds of national defence and Corporate Governance. His legacy of service, strategic insight and ethical leadership continues to influence institutions across sectors. In the boardroom, on global platforms and through his mentorship, General Naravane remains a guiding force,steadfast, visionary and committed to building a more secure and principled world.