Shooting Straight: A Military Biography of Lt Gen Rostum K Nanavatty is a powerful military biography written by Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam (Retd), published in 6 January 2025. The book provides a deep and insightful account of the life and career of Lieutenant General Rostum K. Nanavatty, one of the Indian Army’s most respected commanders. Spanning his service from the 1960s to the early 2000s, the biography traces his leadership in some of the most demanding operational environments including Nagaland, Sri Lanka, Siachen, and Baramulla.
Lt Gen Rustom K. Nanavatty (Retd), a decorated officer of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. Retired in 2001 as the Northern Army Commander, Nanavatty was widely respected for his operational expertise, exceptional leadership, and fearless honesty in dealing with higher authorities. Interestingly, both the author and the General are alumni of The Rajkumar College, Rajkot a prestigious legacy boarding school established in 1870, which has also produced notable military figures like India’s first Chief of the Army Staff, General Rajendrasinhji Jadeja.
Arjun Subramaniam presents a clear and thoughtful account of Lt Gen Nanavatty’s military journey, highlighting his sharp leadership during complex operations. The book Shooting Straight covers a wide range of challenges faced by the Indian Army like counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, Special Forces missions, high-altitude warfare, and prolonged periods of uneasy calm without formal conflict. Through Nanavatty’s story, readers get a rare, insider’s view of decision-making, strategy, and integrity in uniform. The narrative not only captures key moments from his service but also reflects the values and strength that define true military leadership and his lasting impact on India’s defence forces.
The narrative is enriched by Nanavatty’s personal papers and diaries, providing readers with authentic insights into his strategic thinking and leadership qualities. His ability to “speak truth to power” and his contributions to military strategy are highlighted throughout the book. Critics have praised Shooting Straight for its meticulous research and engaging storytelling.
For those interested in military history and leadership, Shooting Straight offers a profound exploration. For readers interested in India’s military history and leadership dynamics, the book offers a rich and insightful exploration of a distinguished true soldier’s life and leader and the broader implications of his service.
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Availability and Details of Shooting Straight
Shooting Straight by Arjun Subramaniam was published on 6 January 2025 by HarperCollins India. The hardcover edition has 400 pages and is priced at ₹430, while the Kindle edition is available for ₹280. The book is written in English and has received excellent reviews from readers.
You can buy Shooting Straight from popular online stores like Amazon India, Flipkart, and other major book retailers. The Kindle version is a great choice if you prefer reading digitally because it is more cost-effective, instantly accessible, and easy to carry anywhere on your device. It also offers features like adjustable font size and background colour, making reading more comfortable.
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About the Author: Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam (Retd.)
Air Vice Marshal Arjun Subramaniam is a distinguished military historian and author known for his deep insights into India’s military history and strategic affairs. He has authored acclaimed works such as India’s Wars: A Military History, 1947-1971 and its sequel India’s Wars: Full Spectrum, 1972-2020. Subramaniam’s military career spans over three decades in the Indian Air Force, during which he served in key operational and strategic roles, enriching his expertise in defense and security matters.
Between February 2021 and March 2023, he held the prestigious President’s Chair of Excellence in National Security Affairs at the National Defence College, New Delhi, a role that involved shaping national security policy discourse. He has also been a Visiting Fellow at internationally renowned institutions like the Harvard Asia Center and the Changing Character of War Programme at Oxford University. Furthermore, he was a Visiting Professor at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.
Currently, Subramaniam serves as Visiting Faculty at the Kautilya School of Public Policy in Hyderabad and lectures at multiple war colleges across India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. His blend of practical military experience and academic scholarship enables him to present complex military history and strategic concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
His latest book, Shooting Straight: A Military Biography of Lt Gen Rostum K. Nanavatty, is a compelling narrative that explores the life and leadership of one of India’s eminent military commanders. This biography benefits from Subramaniam’s thorough research, strategic insight, and narrative skill, making it a valuable read for military enthusiasts, historians, and general readers alike.
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Key Themes Explored in Shooting Straight
The book Shooting Straight: A Military Biography of Lt Gen Rostum K Nanavatty by Arjun Subramaniam is structured into 13 well-organised chapters. Each chapter captures a significant phase of Lt Gen Nanavatty’s career from his early years with the Gorkha regiments to his senior leadership roles in conflict zones. These chapters not only recount operational experiences but also delve into his strategic thinking, doctrinal contributions, and his steadfast moral courage, making the book a comprehensive and insightful military biography.
- Evolving Role of Special Forces in Modern Warfare: Shooting Straight offers insightful reflections on the changing role of India’s Special Forces (SF) over the decades. The book recounts how Lt Gen Rustom K. Nanavatty once advocated for the proactive use of SF during peacetime, a stance that was initially viewed as unrealistic by then Brigadier V. P. Malik, due to the political sensitivities of conducting covert operations across borders. However, the narrative highlights how this once-dismissed vision has become a part of India’s present military doctrine. Under the current “zero tolerance for terrorism” policy, the Indian government has shown a readiness to deploy Special Forces and even the Air Force for precision strikes during peacetime, marking a significant strategic shift. Shooting Straight captures this evolution, underlining how Nanavatty’s forward-thinking ideas were well ahead of their time.
- Environmental Challenges and Sustainable Soldiering: A significant theme explored in Shooting Straight is the environmental impact of long-term military deployments, particularly on the Siachen Glacier after Operation Meghdoot in 1984. The book highlights how the Indian Army initially lacked a structured waste management plan, resulting in the accumulation of massive amounts of waste including human waste, used ammunition, damaged equipment, and essential supplies on the fragile glacier. This concern has gained fresh relevance in recent years, especially after the launch of the Swachh Bharat initiative and India’s growing focus on climate action. In response, the Indian Army introduced the Siachen Swachh Abhiyan in 2018, aiming to remove 130 tonnes of waste annually. Adopting indigenous technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission can play a crucial role in reducing the ecological footprint of soldiers while ensuring operational readiness in environmentally sensitive zones like the Himalayas.
- Strategic Leadership During Operation Parakram: Shooting Straight delves into Lt Gen Nanavatty’s critical role as the Northern Army Commander during Operation Parakram, India’s largest military mobilisation after the 2001 Parliament attack. As the Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Nanavatty resisted political and military pressure to execute hurried offensive plans. Instead, he insisted on operational readiness, ensuring that troops were adequately prepared before deployment. His decision, rooted in ground realities and doctrinal clarity, highlighted his commitment to professional military conduct over political appeasement. This episode underscores his reputation as a straight-talking leader who prioritized strategy over symbolism.
- A Visionary Approach to Military Doctrine: One of the most profound themes in Shooting Straight is the evolution of military strategy as proposed by Nanavatty. His work during the “No War, No Peace” era in Kashmir, and his long-term doctrinal contributions, reflect a leader thinking beyond reactive tactics. As Northern Army Commander, he advocated for reforms in India’s strategic posture, believing in doctrine-driven decisions over personality-centric leadership. His foresight laid the groundwork for more institutionalised planning in the face of unpredictable border conflicts.
- A Soldier’s Integrity and Institutional Courage: What sets Shooting Straight apart from traditional military biographies is its honest portrayal of Nanavatty’s personal philosophy. Known for speaking truth to power, Nanavatty maintained integrity even when it came at a professional cost. The book shares how his principled stance and straightforwardness may have denied him certain post-retirement positions. Yet, it is precisely this firm honesty that strengthens his legacy as a soldier’s General and respected not only for tactical brilliance but also for moral strength.
- Balancing Civil-Military Relations with Professionalism: In Shooting Straight, Arjun Subramaniam presents Nanavatty’s career as a case study in finding the tightrope of civil-military relations. At a time when political pressures often blur military decision-making, Nanavatty remained fiercely professional. He was clear about the army’s apolitical stance and focused on maintaining operational effectiveness while dealing respectfully with the civilian establishment. This theme adds depth to the book by showing how strategic restraint and clear boundaries define mature democracies.
- Situational Awareness and Thoughtful Command Decisions: A standout theme in Shooting Straight is Lt Gen Nanavatty’s ability to assess ground realities before taking action. Rather than blindly following standard procedures, he approached every operation with clear situational awareness and a deep understanding of evolving conditions. During Operation Parakram, for example, he evaluated troop readiness and the changed leadership structure before advising against a rushed deployment. This reflects his belief that effective command is not about quick reactions, but about informed and responsible decision-making. His methodical planning and refusal to act impulsively highlight the importance of strategic clarity and thoughtful leadership in modern military operations.
- A Humanised Portrait of a Soldier: What makes Shooting Straight stand out among military biographies is its balanced portrayal. Rather than glorifying Nanavatty, the book presents him in full human dimension tactically brilliant, strategically thoughtful, and sometimes politically inconvenient. Subramaniam’s inclusion of personal anecdotes, family background, and Parsi heritage adds layers to the General’s character. His editorial choice to open each chapter with thoughtful quotes also enriches the narrative, making this biography resonate with both military professionals and general readers.
- Progressive Vision Within a Conventional Framework: Lt Gen Nanavatty’s vision extended beyond battlefield tactics. As captured in Shooting Straight, he consistently advocated for military modernization, better training protocols, and doctrinal evolution. His writings and decisions reflect a reformist mindset within a conservative institution, positioning him as a forward-looking leader who valued strategic foresight and intellectual growth within the armed forces.
Acclaimed Insights from the Book
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- “Nanavatty was severely critical of the static ‘bunker’ based method of deployment…”
Lt Gen Nanavatty questioned the effectiveness of passive defence setups like bunkers in volatile zones like Baramulla. He instead proposed an urban grid model using fortified police stations as active hubs for patrolling, aiming for greater mobility, visibility, and control in counterinsurgency operations.
- “We are being naive if we believe that the solution lies in the mere neutralization of terrorists…”
This line reflects Nanavatty’s holistic view of conflict resolution. He stressed that security operations alone are not enough and called for integrated efforts that include political, economic, social, administrative, and psychological dimensions to truly address insurgencies and unrest.
- “The operation was doomed from the start due to several reasons ranging from hasty planning and lack of synergy between stakeholders,…”
Here, Nanavatty critiques a specific IPKF operation against the LTTE, highlighting key failures like poor planning, lack of coordination, and security lapses (such as radio intercepts). It showcases his commitment to accountability and the importance of thorough preparation in military actions. These lines reflect Lt Gen Nanavatty’s strategic clarity, pragmatism, willingness to speak uncomfortable truths and his commitment to practical reform, and his belief in comprehensive conflict resolution. Together, they offer a clear understanding of his visionary military thinking and principled leadership who is deeply committed to institutional improvement and mission success.
Lt Gen Rostum Kaikhushru Nanavatty was honored with several prestigious awards throughout his distinguished military career, including the Uttam Yudh Seva Medal for his outstanding command of the Siachen Brigade, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his exceptional service during his tenure in Baramulla, and the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the highest peacetime distinguished service award, recognizing his exemplary leadership as General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command.
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Why You Should Read Shooting Straight
You should read and buy Shooting Straight because it gives a clear and detailed story of Lt Gen Rostum K Nanavatty’s life and military career. The book shares important lessons about leadership, strategy, and courage from one of India’s most respected army generals. It helps readers understand key military operations and the challenges faced by the Indian Army in conflict zones. Perfect for history lovers, military fans, and anyone interested in India’s defence, this book offers both inspiration and valuable knowledge in simple, easy-to-understand language.
General V.P. Malik, Former Chief of Army Staff, calls it “an extraordinarily researched, lucid, authoritative and objective biography of a senior Indian military leader who ‘led from the front’.”
Indra Nooyi, corporate icon and author, describes it as “a beautifully written book on military leadership, filled with lessons that are relevant across domains and disciplines.”
N.N. Vohra, Former Governor of J&K and Union Home and Defence Secretary, states it is “essential reading for all military officers, politicians and bureaucrats involved in the functioning of the national security apparatus.”
Srinath Raghavan, Professor of International Relations and History at Ashoka University, notes that it is “at once an account of the making of a distinguished military commander and a window on the transformation of the Indian Army over the past six decades.”
Nitin A. Gokhale, author and national security analyst, describes it as “a sharp look at the personal and professional journey of one of India’s finest military leaders.”
Final Thoughts
Shooting Straight is more than just a biography it is a masterclass in leadership, integrity, and service. Through the life of Lt Gen Rostum K. Nanavatty, readers gain a front-row seat to the inner workings of the Indian Army, the evolution of military thought, and the making of a true leader. With powerful endorsements from national icons and experts, this book stands as a must-read for anyone who values courage, clarity, and commitment to duty. Whether you are in the armed forces, a policymaker, a student of history, or simply someone who values inspiring stories of leadership and resilience, this book will leave you deeply moved and thoughtfully enriched.
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