RSS Leader Dattatreya Hosabale Says Dialogue With Pakistan Must Continue Despite Tensions
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday said that while Pakistan continues to create security challenges for India, communication channels with the neighbouring country should remain open.
Hosabale, considered the second most senior leader in the RSS after chief Mohan Bhagwat, described Pakistan as a “pinprick” that repeatedly attempts to provoke India through incidents such as terror attacks.
However, he stressed that India must respond firmly while also keeping space for diplomatic engagement.
“If Pakistan behaves like a pinprick by carrying out incidents like Pulwama, India has to respond according to the situation,” Hosabale said in an interview with PTI.
“The safety, dignity, and self-respect of the nation must always be protected, and the government should take necessary action. But at the same time, the doors for dialogue should not be shut.”
He noted that diplomatic ties, trade relations, and visa services still exist between the two countries for a reason.
According to him, maintaining these connections ensures that some channel for communication remains active even during periods of tension.
“That is why diplomatic relations continue, trade happens, and visas are still issued,” he said. “These should not be stopped completely because there should always be room for dialogue.”
Hosabale also highlighted the deep cultural and historical links shared by India and Pakistan. He argued that stronger people-to-people interactions could gradually help reduce hostility between the two nations.
“We share cultural roots and were once part of the same nation,” he said. “I believe civil society engagement and direct contact between people can eventually help normalise relations with Pakistan. More efforts should now be made in that direction.”
At the same time, Hosabale expressed distrust toward Pakistan’s military establishment and urged ordinary citizens, sportspersons, scientists, and members of civil society in Pakistan to take the lead in promoting peace and improving relations.
His remarks come shortly after the first anniversary of the 2025 India-Pakistan military conflict triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on the night of May 6 and 7, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan.
Indian authorities had said that more than 100 terrorists were killed during the strikes.
The confrontation ended on May 10 after Pakistan requested a ceasefire, which India agreed to.
However, the Indian government has repeatedly maintained that Operation Sindoor has only been “paused” and could be resumed if necessary in the future.
