A senior leader of India’s Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and former Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane have called for keeping diplomatic channels open with Pakistan, urging continued dialogue despite strained bilateral relations.
RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said India should remain prepared to engage with Pakistan through diplomacy, trade and people-to-people contact.
RSS leader, former Indian army chief support continued dialogue with Pakistan https://t.co/kLhSO9HkPL
— Pakistan Today (@ePakistanToday) May 14, 2026
Speaking to Indian media, Hosabale said diplomatic ties, trade relations and visa issuance should continue, arguing that maintaining communication channels is necessary to preserve opportunities for dialogue between the neighbouring countries. He said there should always be a window for engagement, regardless of political or security tensions.
Referring to previous diplomatic efforts, Hosabale highlighted former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s outreach to Pakistan, including his landmark Lahore bus visit, as an example of engagement despite difficult circumstances.
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Hosabale also mentioned past initiatives under Indian leadership aimed at reducing tensions and maintaining regional communication.
Former Indian Army chief Manoj Mukund Naravane echoed similar views, emphasising the importance of people-to-people relations.
He said ordinary citizens on both sides of the border face similar everyday challenges and that stronger social connections can contribute to improved bilateral understanding.
According to Naravane, friendship and regular interaction between people can help reduce hostility and create space for better state-level relations.
India-Pakistan relations have remained largely frozen in recent years, with diplomatic engagement limited and trade ties restricted amid recurring political tensions and border incidents.
The two nuclear-armed neighbours have experienced multiple crises in recent years, keeping regional stability under close international observation.
The remarks by the RSS leader and former military chief have triggered political debate in India, with opposition parties reportedly criticising the statements and questioning the timing of such comments.
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Analysts say the calls for dialogue are notable given the ideological significance of the RSS in Indian politics and its influence on broader nationalist discourse.
Although no official policy shift has been announced by New Delhi, the statements have renewed discussion around whether limited diplomatic engagement with Pakistan could resume in the future. Observers note that sustained dialogue remains a recurring topic whenever regional tensions ease.