Manoj Naravane backs RSS call for India-Pakistan people-to-people engagement

Former Army Chief General (retd) Manoj Naravane backed RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale on the need for dialogue and stronger people-to-people ties with neighbouring Pakistan, saying such engagements are essential.

Speaking to PTI on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Wednesday, Naravane said ordinary citizens on both sides of the border share similar struggles related to basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter.

“The common man has nothing to do with politics. Friendship between people can eventually lead to friendship between nations,” he said.

Supporting Hosabale’s recent remarks advocating continued dialogue with Pakistan, Naravane stressed that public engagement remains important for regional stability.

The former Army chief was in Mumbai to sign copies of his new book, Curious and the Classified: Unearthing Military Myths and Mysteries.

Hosabale had earlier told PTI Videos that people-to-people contact was crucial to ending the deadlock with Pakistan and that channels for dialogue should always remain open. He also said India’s trust in Pakistan’s military and political leadership had eroded, making civil society engagement more important.

Naravane further said interactions through “track two” diplomacy, cultural exchanges or sporting events could help bridge divides, adding that Indians should understand that people across the border are not necessarily enemies.

At the same time, he maintained that while disputes should ideally be settled through talks, India would not hesitate to use military force if required.

“India believes in peace, but it will use force whenever necessary,” he added.