Bhagwat Calls for Religious Harmony, Says Excluding Muslims Is Not Hindutva

NEW YORK, August 29, 2026: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for religious harmony and coexistence, saying that the exclusion of Muslims from India is incompatible with the core understanding of Hindutva.

Speaking at the One World, One Humanity Faith Leaders Conference in New York, Bhagwat stressed the unity of humanity and said differences between religions should not become grounds for hostility or exclusion. The conference brought together religious leaders and representatives from Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam.

Bhagwat's remarks focused particularly on the relationship between Hindus and Muslims in India, an issue that has remained at the centre of debates over Hindu nationalism and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra.

‘No Muslim in Bharat’ is not Hindutva

Recalling an earlier interaction with members of the Muslim community in New Delhi, Bhagwat referred to questions about what a Hindu Rashtra would mean for Muslims.

He said he had been asked whether the concept implied that Muslims would be driven out of India. Bhagwat said such an idea could not be described as Hindutva.

According to reports of his New York address, Bhagwat argued that a person who identifies as Hindu must recognise the dignity of every human being. He also referred to the Hindu understanding that different religious paths can lead towards the same ultimate truth.

He said this understanding leaves no basis for denying Muslims a place in India.

Different faiths, shared humanity

Bhagwat's address emphasised that religions may differ in rituals, practices and forms of worship while sharing a deeper search for truth.

He said humanity is fundamentally one despite differences in religious traditions and suggested that religion should lead people towards truth rather than deepen divisions based on external identities.

He also referred to India's historical tradition of providing refuge to people belonging to different religious communities and denominations.

Social change begins with society

Bhagwat also spoke about the role of socio-religious organisations in shaping public life. While such organisations may seek to influence government policies, he said lasting social change cannot be achieved through political action alone.

He stressed the need for society itself to take responsibility for addressing social divisions and building mutual understanding among communities.

His remarks come amid continuing debates in India over religious identity, nationalism, minority rights and the relationship between the country's majority and minority communities.

Bhagwat's emphasis on coexistence and human dignity offered a message of dialogue, arguing that religious differences need not undermine the shared bonds of humanity.

Courtesy : News 18