NEW DELHI: Former Indian army chief Gen (retired) Manoj Naravane has backed remarks by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Secretary General Dattatreya Hosabale advocating continued dialogue and people-to-people engagement between Pakistan and India despite ongoing tensions.
In an interview with Press Trust of India aired on Tuesday, Hosabale said there should “always be a window for dialogue” between Islamabad and New Delhi, stressing the importance of civic and cultural ties in improving relations between the two countries.
Referring to attacks such as the 2019 Pulwama incident in occupied Kashmir, Hosabale said India should respond firmly to security threats but should not completely shut the door on diplomatic engagement.
“At the same time, we should not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage in dialogue,” he said, adding that diplomatic relations, trade, commerce, and visa issuance should continue.
More than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed in the Pulwama attack. India accused Pakistan-linked elements of involvement, allegations Islamabad strongly denied.
Supporting the RSS leader’s stance, Naravane said ordinary citizens on both sides of the border shared common concerns and were largely disconnected from political disputes.
“When friendship develops between the people of two countries, it naturally helps improve relations between the countries themselves,” he said.
The former army chief emphasised the importance of people-to-people contact through Track-II diplomacy, sporting events, and cultural exchanges.
Naravane also reiterated that while India favoured resolving disputes through dialogue, it would not hesitate to use military force if required.
“India is a country that believes in speaking the language of peace, but if the need arises, we will not hesitate to use our strength and capabilities as well,” he said.
Hosabale described the 2008 Mumbai attacks as a turning point in bilateral ties, saying mutual trust between the two countries remained weak despite limited engagement in other areas.
He also supported the resumption of sporting ties between the neighbours, blaming Pakistan’s “adamancy” for the suspension of several exchanges.
The remarks drew criticism from India’s opposition Congress party, which accused the RSS of displaying “love for Pakistan”.
Congress leaders mocked the comments on social media, claiming the reaction would have been far harsher had similar remarks been made by opposition figures.
The RSS is the ideological parent organisation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is considered influential in shaping the party’s political outlook.
