KARACHI: India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday called for keeping channels of dialogue open with Pakistan despite maintaining a firm stance against terrorism, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress.
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, considered the organisation’s second-most senior leader, said India should continue diplomatic engagement with Pakistan while again raising the issue of cross-border terrorism.
“India should always be ready to engage in dialogue with Pakistan. That is why diplomatic relations are maintained, trade and commerce continue, and visas are being given. So we should not stop these, because there should always be a window for dialogue”, Hosabale said in a podcast with news agency PTI.
The RSS, also known as the Sangh, is a right-wing Hindu nationalist paramilitary organisation seen as the ideological guiding force behind the BJP.
Hosabale also repeated Indian allegations regarding terrorism and Pakistan, describing Pakistan as a “pinprick” and saying that the “government of the day” in India should remain vigilant regarding Pakistan-related security concerns.
Referring to past diplomatic efforts, Hosabale cited former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan, including his Lahore bus visit, as an example of engagement despite tensions.
“Everything has been tried, but more such efforts should continue. Atal ji tried to engage them in dialogue. He went to Lahore by bus, and many things have happened. [Modi] also invited Pakistan at the time of taking oath”. Hosabale said.
He also said civil society ties and possible sporting engagements between the two countries could still play a constructive role.
Hosabale’s sentiments were echoed by former Indian Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane, who told the media on Wednesday: “People-to-people connections and contacts are very important. Common people live on both sides of the border and face similar problems in daily life. When friendship develops between people of two countries, it helps improve relations as well”. Naravane, however, also said: “That does not mean we cannot use military force if necessary. 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”.
Meanwhile, the remarks by the RSS leader triggered a strong reaction from the Congress party, with senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh mocking Hosabale’s position in a post on X: “It appears that the recent US trip of Shri Hosabale, during which one of his colleagues admitted to the PM doing what the US wanted him to do, has impacted him as well as the RSS”. The Congress party also criticised the RSS and BJP in a post on its official X account, accusing them of maintaining contradictory positions on Pakistan. In its post, the Congress also resorted to stoking anti-Pakistan sentiment: “RSS’s love for Pakistan has once again come to the fore. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said: India should always be ready for talks with Pakistan. Pakistan should be given visas. Sports and trade should also take place with them. Remember, in 2015, Narendra Modi went to Pakistan uninvited and enjoyed the feast at the wedding of Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter. Mohan Bhagwat had also called Pakistan ‘our brother.’ At the same time, he had appealed to the Modi government to improve relations with Pakistan. On one side, Pakistan continuously spews venom against India and Indians. It sends terrorists to get our people killed. On the other side, RSS-BJP people pamper that same Pakistan, showering it with affection. Shame on these traitors”.
