Amid China Border Tension, Indian Army Chief Weighed Starting War Before Agreeing to Meetings to Defuse Situation
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Army Chief Gen Naravane "Do whatever you deem appropriate" regarding the China border tension on Aug 31, 2020.
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Gen Naravane reflects on weighing whether to start a war given India's COVID struggles and economy.
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He decided not to fire first but rather move Indian tanks to face the Chinese forces in a standoff.
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After hours of tension, the Chinese proposed local commanders meet to defuse the situation the next day.
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Through it all, Gen Naravane weighed when to open fire while awaiting clear direction from the government.