The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has consistently maintained that Pakistan’s military-political establishment and its terror ecosystem are fundamentally untrustworthy. However, this position does not conflate ordinary Pakistani citizens with the state that governs them, according to a recent analysis by Anoop G Deshpande.
Distinguishing State from People
The RSS viewpoint emphasizes a critical distinction: while the Pakistani state apparatus, particularly its military and intelligence agencies, has been accused of supporting cross-border terrorism, the common people of Pakistan share a deep cultural and historical heritage with India. This heritage predates the 1947 partition and includes shared languages, cuisines, music, and familial ties.
In a piece published on July 6, 2026, Deshpande argues that the RSS’s stance is often misunderstood. The organization does not advocate hostility toward Pakistani civilians but rather calls for vigilance against state-sponsored extremism. This nuanced position aims to separate geopolitical tensions from people-to-people connections.
Historical Context of Trust Deficit
The trust deficit between the two nations has deep roots. Since independence, India and Pakistan have fought multiple wars and engaged in numerous skirmishes. The RSS has been a vocal critic of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorist activities in Kashmir and other parts of India. For instance, the 2019 Pulwama attack and the subsequent Balakot airstrikes highlighted the fragile security environment.
According to Deshpande, the RSS’s skepticism is not unfounded. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has been linked to militant groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. However, the article stresses that this does not justify demonizing an entire nation of over 240 million people.
Shared Heritage as a Bridge
Despite political hostilities, cultural exchanges continue. The article notes that both countries share a love for Sufi music, Mughlai cuisine, and classical languages like Urdu and Hindi. Festivals such as Diwali and Eid are celebrated on both sides of the border. These commonalities offer a potential foundation for reconciliation.
Deshpande quotes an unnamed RSS functionary: “We have no animosity toward the people of Pakistan. Our fight is against the ideology of hate and terror that the Pakistani state promotes. The common man there is a victim of the same forces.” This statement underscores the RSS’s attempt to differentiate between state policy and public sentiment.
Implications for Diplomacy
The RSS’s position has implications for India’s foreign policy. While the government engages in diplomatic dialogue, the RSS’s hardline stance often influences public discourse. Deshpande suggests that acknowledging the duality—distrust of the establishment but openness to the people—could help India craft more effective engagement strategies.
For example, people-to-people initiatives like visa liberalization, cultural festivals, and track II diplomacy could be pursued without compromising national security. The article cites the 2023 visa-free travel proposal for senior citizens as a step in this direction.
In conclusion, the RSS’s view on Pakistan is more nuanced than commonly portrayed. By separating the state from its citizens, it leaves room for a shared heritage to eventually bridge the divide—provided the Pakistani establishment abandons its support for terrorism.
