RSS leader Hosabale backs people-to-people ties with Pak despite trust deficit

Dattatreya Hosabale said India must prioritise national security and self-respect while dealing firmly with terrorism, but stressed that channels of dialogue should not be completely shut.

In Short

• Hosabale said people-to-people contact remains the only hope for better ties
• He said India cannot trust Pakistan's military and political establishment
• Despite terror attacks, he said dialogue channels should never close completely

Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday said that while trust in Pakistan’s military and political establishment remains absent in India, sustained engagement between civil societies of the two countries could help ease tensions in the long run.

Speaking to PTI Videos, Hosabale said people-to-people interaction remains the “one hope” in improving ties between India and Pakistan despite repeated terror attacks and continued hostility.

“Everything has been tried diplomatically, but Pakistan continues with pinprick actions,” he said, referring to incidents such as the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2019 Pulwama attack and the recent Pahalgam attack.

Hosabale said India must prioritise national security and self-respect while dealing firmly with terrorism, but stressed that channels of dialogue should not be completely shut.

“The government of the day has to protect the country’s security and dignity. At the same time, doors for engagement should remain open,” he said.

He argued that trade, commerce and visa-related exchanges should continue in some form to ensure there is always room for communication between the two sides.

According to Hosabale, maintaining diplomatic relations itself reflects the need to preserve at least minimal engagement.

The RSS leader also emphasised the role of civil society in reducing hostility, saying academicians, scientists, sportspersons and community leaders should play a greater role in fostering dialogue.

He claimed that Pakistan’s political and military leadership had developed a strong aversion towards India, making broader social and cultural interactions even more important.

Hosabale said the historical and cultural links between the people of the two nations cannot be ignored and should be strengthened through continued interaction.

- Ends