Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Doors Should Not Be Closed": Former Indian Army Chief Backs RSS Leader’s Call for Pakistan Dialogue
Former Indian Army Chief Gen (retd) Manoj Naravane has backed a rare call from RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale to keep a "window for dialogue" open with Pakistan, emphasizing that people-to-people contact is key to breaking the diplomatic deadlock.
ND
by News Desk
2026-05-14
Doors Should Not Be Closed

The endorsement follows an interview by RSS Secretary General Dattatreya Hosabale, who argued that while security threats must be met with strength, India should not completely shutter its doors to its neighbor.

  • The RSS Stance: Hosabale emphasized that people-to-people contact is the ultimate "key to breaking the deadlock." While maintaining that India must respond "appropriately" to security incidents like Pulwama, he advocated for the continuation of trade, visas, and diplomatic channels.

  • The General’s View: Gen (retd) Naravane agreed, noting that ordinary citizens on both sides share the same basic human concerns. He stressed that fostering friendships between people—whether through Track-II diplomacy or sporting events—naturally eases state-level tensions.

  • Strength & Peace: Naravane clarified that seeking dialogue is not a sign of weakness. He asserted that while India speaks the "language of peace," it remains fully prepared to use military force and its "strength and capabilities" if the situation demands it.

  • The "Kasab" Turning Point: Hosabale identified the 2008 Mumbai attacks as the critical moment that shattered mutual confidence, leading to a long period of "distinct aversion" from Pakistan’s leadership toward Indian politics.

  • Political Backlash: The Congress Party slammed the remarks, mocking the "RSS’s love for Pakistan." Congress leaders questioned the timing of the shift, suggesting it might be influenced by international pressure following recent high-level diplomatic trips to the US
Tagged:

#ManojNaravane #RSS #DattatreyaHosabale #IndiaPakistanRelations #Diplomacy #PeaceTalks #BreakingNews #SouthAsia #TrackIIDiplomacy #IndianArmy #ForeignPolicy #RegionalStability #CricketDiplomacy #BJP #CongressParty #Geopolitics2026 #NationalSecurity #SouthAsiaTalks #PeopleToPeopleContact
Share News: