Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Dattatreya Hosabale and former Indian army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane have expressed support for maintaining dialogue with Pakistan, even as relations between the two countries remain strained.
Dattatreya Hosabale, who serves as the General Secretary of the RSS, emphasized the importance of keeping diplomatic channels open. He stated that India should always remain ready to engage in dialogue with Pakistan, highlighting that diplomatic relations, trade, and visa exchanges serve as essential tools for maintaining communication.
Referring to past efforts, Hosabale cited former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan, including his historic Lahore bus journey, as an example of how dialogue can continue despite tensions. He suggested that such efforts should be sustained to maintain a pathway for peace.
Former army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane also supported continued engagement, stressing the importance of people-to-people connections between the two nations. He noted that ordinary citizens on both sides face similar daily challenges, and stronger interactions at the public level could contribute to improved bilateral relations.
The remarks come at a time when formal diplomatic engagement between India and Pakistan remains limited, with tensions persisting over recent conflicts and historical disputes. Despite the strained environment, calls for dialogue from influential figures highlight the continued relevance of diplomacy in managing relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
The discussion around dialogue has also sparked political reactions within India, particularly from opposition parties, reflecting the sensitivity of India-Pakistan relations in the current geopolitical climate.
Overall, the statements by Hosabale and Naravane signal a renewed push from some quarters in India to keep communication channels open and explore avenues for peaceful engagement.
