India should find out Pak's intentions before talks: Bhagwat

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said India should find out the intentions of Pakistan and China before extending a hand of friendship as showing naivety or taking a weak stand would harm the country's interests.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said India should find out the intentions of Pakistan and China before extending a hand of friendship as showing naivety or taking a weak stand would harm the country's interests.

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"There is a lot of activity in Kashmir these days but what will be the outcome? There is no problem in talking but we should understand what is on their (Pakistan's) mind. Friendship should not be extended naively but with proper understanding," the RSS chief said.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Wednesday in Anantnag that India was ready to talk to Pakistan provided it acted against terrorists operating from its soil.

Bhagwat, however, said though India is peace-loving and does not want to harm others, this does not mean it should not protect itself.

"Hand is shaken in friendship and also before a wrestling match. What are their intentions?" he asked.

The RSS chief also said foreign countries were building pressure on India through dialogue.

"We talk but what is happening behind the scenes is not known. There is no transparency," he said.

Bhagwat said India's prestige rose when it won two wars against Pakistan and also after the two atomic tests.

"Only when India becomes powerful they respect us. We need policies which make us powerful," he said.