A prominent leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) along with a former Indian army chief have both expressed support for maintaining open diplomatic channels with Pakistan, a position that has sparked criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress.
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, regarded as the organisation’s second-highest authority, emphasized the importance of ongoing diplomatic engagement. He stated that India should remain prepared to engage in dialogue with Pakistan, highlighting that diplomatic relations, trade, and visa issuance continue to function as vital links. Hosabale stressed that these channels should not be closed, as they provide essential opportunities for communication.
Known as the ideological backbone of the BJP, the RSS is a right-wing Hindu nationalist paramilitary group. Hosabale referenced previous efforts to foster dialogue, citing former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s initiatives, including his historic bus journey to Lahore, as examples of engagement despite persistent tensions. He remarked, “Many attempts have been made, and such efforts must persist. Atal ji sought dialogue and traveled to Lahore by bus. Numerous developments followed. Modi also extended an invitation to Pakistan during his oath-taking ceremony.”
Echoing these views, former Indian army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane highlighted the significance of people-to-people connections across the border. Speaking on Wednesday, he noted that common citizens on both sides face similar daily challenges, and fostering friendships among them can contribute to improved bilateral relations.
Relations between India and Pakistan have largely remained stagnant in recent years, with diplomatic ties effectively frozen. The two neighbours have experienced multiple border skirmishes and a brief but intense 87-hour conflict last year.
During the May 2025 conflict, Pakistan reportedly shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including four French-made Rafale jets, one Su-30, one MiG-29, one Mirage 2000, and an expensive multi-role unmanned aerial system, along with numerous drones. The hostilities concluded on May 10 following a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.
Meanwhile, in February 2019, India violated Pakistani airspace, triggering a retaliatory response that resulted in the downing and capture of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was subsequently returned to India.
