Former Indian Army Chief General Manoj Naravane has expressed support for dialogue and improved relations with Pakistan, stating that friendly relations between the people of both countries could contribute to regional stability and better bilateral ties.
According to Indian media, in an interview, Manoj Naravane said that the issues faced by the people of Pakistan and India are similar, and ordinary citizens are not directly involved in political disputes. He emphasized that restoring public-level contacts and mutual trust could help reduce tensions between the two countries.
This statement from the former Indian Army Chief comes at a time when even the leadership of the Hindu extremist organization RSS has also signaled support for dialogue and restored relations with Pakistan. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, in a recent interview, said that India should always remain open to talks with Pakistan and that channels of communication between the two countries should not be completely closed.
He said that the purpose of maintaining diplomatic relations is to ensure that trade, business, visa issuance, and people-to-people contact continue. In the same context, Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla also stated that the RSS now appears to support dialogue, better relations, trade, visa policy, and cricketing ties with Pakistan.
He added that the Indian government’s position on this matter should also be clarified so it becomes clear whether New Delhi’s policy is changing or not. According to political observers, such statements from the RSS and former military leadership are being seen as a new phase in policy debate within India, while there is also increasing emphasis on the need for diplomatic engagement to reduce tensions in the region.