Manoj Mukund Naravane

Manoj Mukund Naravane is a retired Indian Army officer who served as the 28th Chief of the Army Staff of India and is widely respected for his calm leadership and professional integrity. Born on 22 April 1960 in Pune, Maharashtra, he was commissioned into the Sikh Light Infantry in 1980 after graduating from the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy. Over a military career spanning nearly four decades, Manoj Mukund Naravane held several important command, staff, and instructional appointments across different terrains, including counter insurgency areas and high altitude regions. He commanded an infantry battalion, an infantry brigade, a mountain division, and later the prestigious Eastern Command before becoming the Army Chief in December 2019. During his tenure, he focused strongly on modernization of the Army, jointness among the armed forces, and welfare of soldiers and veterans. He also played a key role during challenging periods such as heightened border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring operational readiness while safeguarding personnel. Known for his straightforward communication and disciplined approach, Naravane emphasized ethics, professionalism, and apolitical conduct in the armed forces. After retirement, he has continued to contribute to national discourse through writing and public speaking, sharing insights on leadership, strategy, and national security.