Agencies | New Delhi:
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that while India must stand firmly behind the government’s decisions during times of conflict, relations with Pakistan should not be permanently severed, asserting that “permanent hatred is not the solution.”
Speaking on India-Pakistan relations, Bhagwat said conflicts may necessitate a temporary suspension of engagement, but they should not erase historical and human connections between the two countries.
“In times of conflict, we have to go with what the government deems appropriate. But that shouldn’t sever the ties that already exist. Pakistan was Bharat less than 100 years ago, and this should not be forgotten. Ties can be put on hold, not severed,” he said.
Emphasising that strained relations should not translate into lasting animosity, the RSS chief said political disputes, international borders and security concerns must be addressed without allowing them to become the basis for permanent hostility.
“Permanent hatred is not the solution. When there is conflict, there is a way to deal with it. It is not that Pakistan is inherently an enemy of India, but politics and international borders are also factors. Sometimes relations have to pause, but humanity is one,” Bhagwat said.
Responding to a question on whether India should engage with Pakistan and China, Bhagwat said such initiatives were not appropriate during periods of active conflict.
“Not during a time of conflict. Whether it is military confrontation or terrorism, these issues cannot be viewed in isolation. It is not merely the work of radical groups; there is a policy behind it. It is a form of hidden war, and we have to respond accordingly,” he said.
Bhagwat’s remarks come against the backdrop of continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over cross-border terrorism and regional security issues. While advocating unwavering support for the government’s approach during times of conflict, he stressed that temporary disruptions in bilateral relations should not be viewed as permanent separation and reiterated that “humanity is one.”
