Former Army Chief General M. M. Naravane’s upcoming book has sparked a major controversy even before its scheduled release. The book reportedly details sensitive topics, including the Galwan Valley clashes, border tensions with China, and the Agnipath military recruitment scheme, raising concerns within the government. The issue gained attention after discussions in Parliament, prompting Delhi Police involvement.
According to reports, Naravane’s book states that during incidents when Chinese tanks reportedly crossed into Indian territory, then-Defence Minister Rajnath Singh allowed the army discretion to act as it deemed fit. It also suggests that the army initially opposed certain aspects of the Agnipath scheme and that several proposed changes were not implemented, making the book potentially controversial from a national security perspective.
The controversy escalated during the February 2026 budget session when opposition leader Rahul Gandhi referenced the book in Parliament, holding a copy and stating he would gift it to the Prime Minister. Government officials, including Speaker Om Birla and Union ministers, criticized the move, saying discussing an unreleased book in Parliament violated rules.
Before its official release, PDF and pre-print versions of the book were leaked online, prompting the Delhi Police’s Special Cell to register an FIR. Publisher Penguin Random House India clarified on February 9, 2026, that the book has not been printed or released, warning that circulating copies on social media is illegal. Under central service rules, senior officials must obtain Defence Ministry clearance before publishing material related to national security. The book had been under review for over a year, and the source of the leak remains unclear. The government has called the leak a security violation, while opposition parties allege an attempt to suppress facts. Investigations by the police are ongoing.