India facing diplomatic isolation as voices for engagement with Pakistan grow
Ex-Army chief Naravane backs RSS leader’s call for people-to-people contact
Mumbai: Former Indian Army chief General (retd) Manoj Naravane has backed RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale’s call for dialogue and people-to-people contact with Pakistan, amid growing realization within India that New Delhi’s attempts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically have backfired.
According to Kashmir Media Service, speaking on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, Naravane said ordinary people in both countries shared common concerns of “roti, kapda and makan” and should not be viewed as enemies. He stressed that stronger people-to-people relations could pave the way for improved ties between the two nuclear neighbors. “When there is friendship between the two peoples, there will also be friendship between the two nations,” Naravane said, endorsing Hosabale’s remarks that civil society engagement and dialogue were essential to breaking the deadlock between India and Pakistan.
Political observers said the statements by senior Indian figures reflect growing concern within India over its increasing diplomatic isolation despite years of aggressive anti-Pakistan rhetoric and pressure campaigns. They said New Delhi had made extensive efforts to isolate Pakistan internationally, particularly after the May 2025 conflict, but recent developments have instead elevated Pakistan’s diplomatic standing on the global stage.
Analysts noted that Pakistan’s successful role in facilitating US-Iran talks and its contribution to regional ceasefire efforts have significantly enhanced its international credibility as a responsible and constructive state. They added that even Indian military officials and political figures have started admitting that India’s confrontational policies have failed to isolate Pakistan and have instead exposed New Delhi’s own growing isolation in the comity of nations.
Naravane further said disputes between the two countries should be resolved through discussion and engagement, while suggesting that sporting events and “track-two diplomacy” could help reduce tensions and improve understanding between the peoples of both sides.
Observers said the changing tone among influential Indian voices underlines the failure of the Modi regime’s hostile regional policies and highlights the international community’s increasing recognition of dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path for lasting peace in South Asia, particularly regarding the Kashmir dispute.
