By RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has backed recent remarks by senior Sangh leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating continued engagement with Pakistan, arguing that dialogue should not be completely ruled out even amid deep political and security differences. Speaking during an interactive session held as part of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s centenary-year programmes, Bhagwat clarified that the discussion was centered on the people of Pakistan rather than its political establishment.
His remarks come at a time when India-Pakistan relations remain strained, particularly over concerns related to cross-border terrorism and security. While reaffirming that the RSS follows the foreign policy decisions of the Government of India, Bhagwat suggested that keeping channels of communication open is important for long-term peace and stability in the region.
Addressing questions on Hosabale’s earlier comments, Bhagwat said there are sections within Pakistan that question the historical logic behind Partition and remain critical of the two-nation theory. According to him, several voices in the neighbouring country continue to advocate closer people-to-people understanding and often express appreciation for certain aspects of Indian society and institutions.
“There are many individuals in Pakistan who believe the division of the subcontinent was a mistake. Some openly argue that coexistence would have been better than separation,” Bhagwat said while speaking at the event.
The RSS chief argued that if circumstances ever change dramatically in the future, the people of Pakistan must be viewed separately from political disputes and conflicts. He stressed that any lasting solution would require preserving human connections and leaving room for dialogue.
Drawing a sharp distinction between defeating adversarial policies and abandoning humanitarian values, Bhagwat said India’s civilisational approach has always been different. “We are not like Hitler. That is not our nature. We should oppose injustice and tyranny, but at the same time preserve whatever is good,” he remarked.
Bhagwat also sought to clear the air on the RSS’s position, stating that the organisation does not maintain an independent foreign policy. On matters involving other countries, including Pakistan, it supports the position adopted by the elected government.
The comments echo observations made earlier by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who had argued that while national security and self-respect must remain non-negotiable, dialogue should not be permanently shut down. Hosabale had said that nations must remain prepared to engage in conversations even while addressing security challenges.
Bhagwat’s remarks are likely to reignite debate over how India balances a firm security posture with diplomatic engagement, especially in dealing with its western neighbour.
