New Delhi – Dattatreya Hosabale, General Secretary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has stated that the ongoing conflict in West Asia is fundamentally driven by the pursuit of oil resources rather than a clash of civilizations. He suggested that India could potentially contribute to de-escalation by appealing to the sense of reason among nations and global leaders.
In a video interview with PTI, Hosabale, who holds the second-highest position in the RSS, characterized wars as typically arising from malevolent intent or the excessive greed and arrogance exhibited by nations and individuals. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that, when questioned whether he was alluding to former US President Donald Trump, Hosabale clarified that he had not named anyone specifically.
The line of questioning stemmed from speculation about whether the US-Israeli stance on Iran was motivated by concerns over nuclear weaponry or an ambition to dismantle a civilization, as Trump had previously suggested in a social media post. Hosabale responded by acknowledging that conflicts, battles, and skirmishes have been a persistent feature throughout global history, occurring in various regions worldwide. He recalled a school lesson that described war as a “wicked thing” originating from a “wicked mind.”
He elaborated that the desire to seize what is not rightfully one’s, or the descent into greed by a nation, society, or its leadership, are primary catalysts for the outbreak of wars. According to Hosabale, while the current conflict may be fueled by oil, predictions suggest that future wars could be triggered by disputes over water resources. He implied that humanity might survive the current conflict only to face another over water in the future.
Hosabale stated that even if wars were to continue, they would not eradicate humanity but would inevitably alter human life. He referenced the theories of prominent thinker Dr. Samuel Huntington, who predicted a war of civilizations, but asserted that the current conflict does not align with that prediction, arguing that the Christian world is not unified behind a single country, and Muslim nations are not operating under a single umbrella.
Hosabale voiced his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity, emphasizing its importance for the country’s well-being. He advocated for austerity and simplicity as a fundamental principle of Indian life, even in the absence of war.
According to Hosabale, such principles should be embraced and practiced consistently, especially during times of crisis and challenge, where they become particularly necessary. He reiterated that India can play a crucial role in the West Asia situation by appealing to the rationality of nations and their leaders.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.