Former Indian army chief Manoj Naravane has backed remarks by Dattatreya Hosabale advocating continued dialogue and talks between Pakistan and India despite ongoing tensions between the two neighbours.
In a recent interview , Hosabale said communication channels between Islamabad and New Delhi should remain open, stressing the importance of people-to-people contact in improving bilateral ties.
Referring to incidents such as the 2019 Pulwama attack in occupied Kashmir, Hosabale said India should respond according to the situation to safeguard national security and dignity. More than 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed in the attack, which New Delhi linked to Pakistan, an allegation Islamabad has consistently denied.
He, however, maintained that diplomatic engagement should continue alongside trade, commerce and visa facilitation, adding that dialogue channels should not be shut down completely.
Supporting the remarks, Naravane said ordinary citizens on both sides of the border shared common concerns related to daily life and generally remained detached from political disputes.
STORY | There should always be window for dialogue with Pak, people-to-people contact key: RSS’s Hosabale
People-to-people contact is key to breaking the deadlock with Pakistan and there should always be a window for dialogue, top RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale said on… https://t.co/gG9mGyOX0S
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 12, 2026
He said improved interaction between people of the two countries could contribute positively to bilateral relations, adding that contacts through Track-II diplomacy and sporting activities were important for confidence-building.
The former army chief reiterated that while India supported resolving disputes through talks, it would also use military strength if required.
“India believes in the language of peace, but if needed, it will not hesitate to use its capabilities,” he said.
During the interview, Hosabale also described the 2008 Mumbai attacks as a major turning point in relations between the two countries, saying mutual trust had weakened significantly since then.
VIDEO | Mumbai: On RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale advocating window of dialogue with Pakistan to be kept open, Former Army chief Gen MM Naravane (@ManojNaravane) says, “One important point is that people-to-people connections and contacts are extremely important. Ordinary people… pic.twitter.com/3pMmvynm43
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 13, 2026
He further said that cultural and civil society links between Pakistan and India should continue to be promoted despite political differences.
Asked about the possibility of resuming sporting ties between the two countries, the RSS leader said such activities could continue, but claimed several initiatives had stalled because of Pakistan’s stance.
Meanwhile, India’s opposition party Congress criticised Hosabale’s remarks, accusing the RSS of showing “softness” towards Pakistan.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also reacted strongly, questioning the timing and political implications of the RSS leader’s comments.
