“We Are Not Like Hitler, Dialogue Must Remain Open”: Mohan Bhagwat Clarifies RSS Stand On Pakistan
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has stepped in to clarify recent comments made by senior RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale regarding engagement with Pakistan, asserting that the remarks were directed toward the people of Pakistan and not an endorsement of the country's policies.
Addressing the issue, Bhagwat emphasized that the RSS does not maintain a separate foreign policy and fully supports the position adopted by the Government of India on matters involving Pakistan and national security.
The clarification comes after Hosabale's comments suggesting that communication channels with Pakistan should not be completely shut, even while India remains firm against terrorism and threats to its sovereignty. His remarks had sparked debate in political circles.
Defending the statement, Bhagwat said there are many individuals within Pakistan who do not support the ideology that led to the partition of the subcontinent. According to him, a section of Pakistani society believes that the division was a mistake and continues to hold positive views about shared cultural and historical ties.
“There are many people in Pakistan who feel that partition should never have happened. Some journalists there also appreciate the work done by the RSS and oppose the two-nation theory,” Bhagwat said while explaining the context behind Hosabale's remarks.
He argued that maintaining limited channels of communication is important because future circumstances could require engagement with the Pakistani people, regardless of political differences between the two nations.
“We are not like Hitler. That is not our nature. We should defeat injustice and aggression, but we must also preserve what is good. That is why some doors of dialogue should remain open,” Bhagwat remarked.
At the same time, the RSS chief reiterated that India's security and national interests must remain paramount. He stressed that any engagement should never come at the cost of the country's safety or self-respect.
