By RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has backed recent remarks by senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating continued dialogue with Pakistan, arguing that engagement should not be viewed solely through the lens of governments and conflicts. Speaking during an interactive session in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the RSS centenary celebrations, Bhagwat said there remains a section of Pakistani society that does not subscribe to the ideology that led to Partition and believes peaceful coexistence is preferable.
His comments come at a time when India-Pakistan relations continue to be shaped by security concerns and cross-border terrorism. However, Bhagwat drew a distinction between the policies of the Pakistani state and the sentiments of ordinary citizens, suggesting that future possibilities should not be ruled out entirely.
According to Bhagwat, many people in Pakistan continue to question the historical basis of the two-nation theory and express admiration for India’s social and cultural traditions. He claimed that some journalists and intellectuals in the neighbouring country have openly spoken about the benefits of coexistence and have shown interest in understanding the work of the RSS.
The RSS chief argued that keeping channels of communication open does not mean compromising on national security. Instead, he said, a strong nation must be capable of dealing firmly with threats while also preserving opportunities for future understanding and reconciliation.
Bhagwat stated that if circumstances ever changed significantly in the region, the people of Pakistan would need pathways either to live peacefully within their own country or to build stronger bonds with the broader Indian civilizational framework. For that reason, he said, completely shutting the door on dialogue would be counterproductive.
Drawing a contrast between India’s approach and authoritarian models of governance, Bhagwat remarked that the country’s traditions emphasize defeating injustice without abandoning humanity. He said wrongdoings and aggression must be confronted decisively, but societies should also preserve whatever is constructive and positive.
The remarks were also seen as a clarification of comments made earlier by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale. In a recent interview, Hosabale had argued that while India’s security and national dignity must remain non-negotiable, dialogue should not be permanently abandoned. Responding to questions on Pakistan’s continued support for terrorism, he had said a nation must remain prepared to engage whenever circumstances permit.
Bhagwat reiterated that the RSS does not maintain an independent foreign policy and supports the position adopted by the Government of India on international matters. He emphasized that the organisation’s views should be understood within the broader framework of national interest.
The discussion has sparked debate in political and strategic circles, with Bhagwat’s comments highlighting a nuanced position—one that combines a hard line on security with the belief that people-to-people engagement should not be entirely dismissed, even amid long-standing tensions.
