Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has described Pakistan as a "pinprick" while asserting that the doors for dialogue with the neighboring country should remain open. The RSS is the ideological mentor of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Hosabale is the Sangh's second-highest leader after RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
Hosabale's Remarks on Pakistan
Speaking to PTI, Hosabale said, "If Pakistan is like a pinprick trying to create incidents like Pulwama, etc., we have to respond appropriately according to the situation because the security and self-respect of a country and nation have to be protected, and the government of the day should take note of it and address it. But at the same time, we should not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage in dialogue."
He further elaborated that diplomatic relations, trade, commerce, and visa issuance should continue, as these provide a window for dialogue. "That is why diplomatic relations are maintained, trade and commerce continue, and visas are being issued. These should not be stopped, because there should always be a window for dialogue," he added.
Shared History and People-to-People Ties
Hosabale pointed to the shared history between India and Pakistan, arguing that people-to-people ties could help ease tensions. "People-to-people relations can ease India-Pakistan tensions because we have cultural links and we were once one nation. I strongly believe civil society contacts will ultimately help normalise ties with Pakistan; that should be tried more now," he stated.
He also called on Pakistan's sportspersons, scientists, and civil society to "step forward" for peace, as its military "cannot be trusted."
Context of Recent Conflict
The remarks come days after the first anniversary of the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, triggered by the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. On the night of May 6-7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror locations in Pakistan and killing over 100 terrorists. The conflict ended on May 10 after Islamabad requested a ceasefire, which India accepted. However, the government has maintained that Operation Sindoor has only been "paused" and can be resumed if required.
