Srinagar, May 14, 2026 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday welcomed remarks made by RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale advocating dialogue with Pakistan, saying that peaceful engagement remains the only viable path to resolving issues between the two neighbouring countries.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, the veteran political leader said the statement from the RSS leadership reflected an important shift towards recognising the need for diplomacy and communication instead of confrontation.
Farooq Abdullah, who has served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir three times, also appreciated former Army Chief M M Naravane for supporting Hosabale’s remarks on maintaining channels of dialogue with Pakistan.
“It is a very big move that the RSS leader has said that there should be talks with Pakistan, and the ex-Army chief has also backed his statement. I am glad that somebody is now thinking that war is not an option. It is the question of dialogue, which we must always have to solve our problems,” Abdullah said while addressing the media.
Earlier this week, Dattatreya Hosabale, in an interview with a news agency, had stressed that people-to-people contact was essential to breaking the prolonged deadlock between India and Pakistan. He stated that a window for dialogue should always remain open despite political and diplomatic challenges.
Hosabale had further remarked that Pakistan’s military and political establishment had lost India’s trust over the years, and therefore civil society initiatives and public engagement could play a meaningful role in improving relations between the two nations.
Responding to questions regarding the ongoing BRICS conclave in New Delhi, Farooq Abdullah expressed hope that the international grouping would contribute towards promoting peace and stability in the Middle East amid growing global tensions.
He also welcomed the reported visit of US President Donald Trump to China, saying that dialogue among major world powers remains important for global peace and economic cooperation.
Commenting on recent austerity measures adopted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers, including downsizing official cavalcades, Abdullah termed the move a positive step in view of the prevailing fuel concerns.
“I think it is very good. It shows that we are short of fuel, and obviously, there is a shortage. I hope everybody will reduce their cavalcade,” he added.
