BJP’s mentor RSS calls for better ties with Pakistan

With the relations between India and Pakistan drifting and going downhill, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government received encouragement and support for better relations with Pakistan from the most unexpected quarters. The ruling BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is traditionally known for its hawkish stance against Pakistan, has come out in support of the government to improve relations with the neighbouring country. RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale shrugged off the recent spat between India and Pakistan, saying “such things happen ‘in a family … between brothers’ and one should move on and work to improve relationships.”

With the RSS supporting Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives for improving relations with Pakistan, the government could renew efforts to engage with Pakistan. When the National Security Advisors (NSA) level talks between India and Pakistan got cancelled recently, there were a lot of allegations and counter allegations from both sides.

Against this backdrop, the Prime Ministers of both countries are unlikely to meet on the sidelines of the UNGA summit in New York later this month. But, with the RSS gently nudging the government, India could probably agree on a bilateral meeting between Mr Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on the sidelines of the UNGA.

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