Ex-Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Who Steered the Army Through Galwan Clashes, Unveils his Book ‘The Cantonment Conspiracy’

New Delhi, India - Former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd.) has stepped into the literary world with his debut novel, 'The Cantonment Conspiracy', a military thriller published by Penguin Random House India. The former Army Chief introduced his book in an unboxing video shared on his official handle on X (formerly Twitter), where he was seen alongside his wife, Veena Naravane.

“Hello and welcome to our home. It is a very important day as I have just received author copies of my book, The Cantonment Conspiracy,” he said while unveiling the book. Holding it up, he added, “Finally, I am a published author.” In a heartwarming moment, General Naravane presented the first copy of his book to his wife, who responded with a congratulatory clap and a simple “Thank you.”

A Military Thriller with a Dark Mystery

Set against the backdrop of a military garrison, The Cantonment Conspiracy follows the journey of two National Defence Academy (NDA) officers—Rohit Verma and Renuka Khatri—as they investigate an assault and murder within their cantonment. What starts as a routine inquiry soon leads them to a much larger and more sinister conspiracy that threatens national security.

General Naravane, sharing his excitement about the book, stated, “I hope you enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it.” He also mentioned that the book is now available for purchase on Amazon and other major platforms.

Leadership During the Galwan Clash

General Naravane (Retd.) is widely respected for his tenure as India’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from December 31, 2019, to April 30, 2022. He led the Indian Army through some of the most critical moments in recent history, including the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, when Indian and Chinese troops engaged in a fierce hand-to-hand confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Throughout his tenure, General Naravane played a key role in bolstering India's military posture along the northern borders and implementing modernization initiatives for the armed forces.

Under his leadership, India executed a swift mobilization of troops along the LAC, particularly in eastern Ladakh. Additional divisions, mechanized forces, artillery, and air assets were deployed to strengthen India's defensive posture.

The Indian Army launched ‘Operation Snow Leopard’ to counter Chinese movements and secure key strategic positions in the region during Gen Naravane's leadership. This operation later led to the successful occupation of key heights on the Kailash Range in August 2020, which gave India a tactical advantage during negotiations.

Throughout the crisis, General Naravane maintained a firm stance on protecting India’s territorial integrity. His visits to forward bases and interactions with frontline troops boosted morale among soldiers deployed in extreme conditions. His approach was a blend of strategic patience and firm military posturing, which eventually led to a disengagement agreement with China in February 2021.

General Naravane’s Other Books

While The Cantonment Conspiracy marks his debut as a novelist, General Naravane has another book in the pipeline—his memoir titled Four Stars of Destiny. However, its release has been delayed as it is undergoing a review by the Ministry of Defence, a standard procedure for books written by former senior military officials.

As General Naravane embarks on his journey as an author, The Cantonment Conspiracy is expected to attract readers interested in military fiction, espionage thrillers, and narratives inspired by real-world experiences in the armed forces.