Top RSS leader says India should counter terror strongly but continue engagement with Pakistan

India should continue to respond strongly to Pakistan-sponsored terrorism while also keeping the doors for dialogue open, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said in an interview.

In conversation with news agency Press Trust of India (PTI), Hosabale said that India has repeatedly tried to improve relations with Pakistan through diplomatic outreach, but cross-border terror attacks have forced the country to take firm action in defence of its security and national pride.

Referring to past peace efforts, Hosabale recalled how former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee travelled to Lahore by bus in an attempt to build better ties with Pakistan. He also pointed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi inviting Pakistan during his oath-taking ceremony and attending a family event of then Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif as examples of India’s willingness to engage.

More from India

“We have tried many things and such efforts should continue,” Hosabale said.

‘Strong reply needed to terror’

Hosabale said that India cannot ignore terror attacks linked to Pakistan and must respond according to the situation.

“If Pakistan keeps trying to create incidents like Pulwama, then we have to answer appropriately,” he said, adding that the government must protect the country’s security and self-respect.

At the same time, he stressed that communication channels between the two countries should not be shut completely. “We should not close the doors. We should always be ready to engage in dialogue,” he said, adding that diplomatic ties, trade relations and visa services should continue because they provide opportunities for future talks.

Support for civil society and sports ties

When asked whether sporting events between India and Pakistan should continue, Hosabale supported the idea. “Of course, they can continue,” he said.

He added that civil society relations could eventually help improve ties between the two neighbours. According to him, the people of India and Pakistan share deep cultural connections and historical links.

“This is one hope,” he said while speaking about people-to-people relations.

Operation Sindoor highlighted

Hosabale’s comments come at a time when India has adopted a more aggressive approach towards terrorism, especially after Operation Sindoor.

The operation was launched after terrorists linked to Pakistan killed 26 tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last year. The Indian Air Force played a leading role in the mission, targeting terror infrastructure and military facilities across the border.

According to the government, the strikes destroyed terror camps, military targets, air defence systems and other strategic facilities using cruise missiles, drones and precision-guided bombs.

Operation Sindoor has been described as one of India’s biggest multi-domain military missions in decades and is seen as a major shift in the country’s security strategy against cross-border terrorism.