A senior leader of India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and former Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane have publicly supported maintaining dialogue and diplomatic engagement with Pakistan, sparking political debate in India. Their statements come at a time when relations between the two neighbouring countries remain tense due to past military clashes and stalled diplomatic talks.
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India should continue keeping communication channels open with Pakistan. Speaking to Indian media, he stated that diplomatic relations, trade activities, and visa services should not be completely stopped because dialogue remains important between neighbouring nations. According to him, there should always be an opportunity for communication despite political differences.
Hosabale also referred to former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s efforts to improve ties with Pakistan. He recalled Vajpayee’s famous Lahore bus visit and described it as an important example of diplomatic outreach. He added that several Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had also attempted to maintain engagement with Pakistan in the past.
Former Indian Army chief Naravane supported these remarks and emphasised the importance of people to people contact between the citizens of both countries. He said ordinary people on both sides of the border face similar daily challenges, and stronger social connections could help improve overall relations between India and Pakistan.
Relations between the two nuclear armed countries have remained strained for years due to border tensions and military confrontations. In 2025, both countries witnessed a brief but serious military conflict that lasted 87 hours before a ceasefire agreement was reached with the help of the United States.
The comments by the RSS leader and former army chief have generated strong reactions from Indian opposition parties, especially Congress, which criticised the statements. However, supporters of dialogue believe diplomatic engagement and communication remain necessary for long term regional peace and stability in South Asia.
