RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale says a window for dialogue with Pakistan should remain open
Mumbai: Former Indian Army Chief General (Retd.) Manoj Naravane has supported RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale’s position advocating dialogue and people-to-people engagement with neighboring Pakistan, saying such efforts are very “important.”
The former Army Chief said that the common struggles of ordinary people — especially the basic needs of “roti, kapda aur makan” (food, clothing, and shelter) — are the same on both sides of the border.
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
Speaking to PTI during an event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Naravane said:
“The common man has nothing to do with politics. When friendship develops between two people, friendship can also develop between two countries.”
Naravane was responding to a question regarding comments made by RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale in an interview with PTI Videos about maintaining dialogue with Pakistan.
He said:
“That is correct. People-to-people contact is important.”
He added that such engagement remains a key factor in ensuring regional stability.The former Army Chief was in the city to sign copies of his new book, Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries, at a bookstore event.
In an interview with PTI Videos on Tuesday, Hosabale had said that people-to-people engagement is crucial for breaking the deadlock with Pakistan, and that a channel for dialogue should always remain open.
The RSS leader had also stated that Pakistan’s military and political leadership had lost India’s trust, and that it was now time for civil society to take the lead.
Naravane further said that public engagement between the two countries should continue, whether through “Track Two” diplomacy or sporting events.
He added:
“Our people should also understand that those living across the border are not sworn enemies.”
At the same time, he emphasized that while disputes should be resolved through dialogue, this does not mean military strength cannot be used when necessary.
“India is a country that speaks the language of peace, but when required, we will not hesitate to use force,” he said.
