Challenge for foreign policymakers

Refer to Two Views, ‘Has India been blindsided by Donald Trump’ and ‘Trump is upset Modi standing up to him’; India’s open denial of Trump’s role in ending the India-Pakistan hostilities has annoyed the US President. Also, India’s insistence on protecting its agriculture and dairy sectors during trade negotiations has not gone down well with the Trump administration. On its part, India should also keep in mind that it has been imposing 100-150 per cent tariff on some American goods entering India. America’s 50 per cent tariff is a challenge for India’s foreign policymakers. How they counter this provocation will be keenly watched.

Vinay Kumar Malhotra, Ambala

Trump’s ego hurt

The Two Views column authored by experts on foreign affairs is laudable. The whole world is bearing the brunt of Donald Trump’s hefty trade tariffs, but why has India been singled out for worst treatment? The arguments — India’s firm denial to accept Trump’s claim that he facilitated the ceasefire with Pakistan and PM Modi’s open announcement to continue buying crude oil from Russia — hurt the ego of the US President. Trump is finding it too hard to stomach that a developing country like India is trying to resist a superpower. New Delhi should remain open to reasonable trade negotiations, holding on to national interests firmly.

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

India’s stand correct

Apropos of ‘Trump is upset Modi is standing up to him’; whatever may be the reasons for Trump’s discomfort, India’s firm stand to remain open to negotiations is correct in the current situation. The present circumstances have brought India and Russia closer to each other. By procuring cheaper crude oil from Russia and further selling the refined products is helpful to both Russia and India economically. Russia, India and China (RIC) are geographically nearer to each other. Friendly relations between India and China will help counter Trump’s bullying tactics. Modi will meet the Chinese President at the SCO meet in Tianjin soon. It will be interesting to observe Beijing’s stance towards New Delhi.

Ashok Bahl, Kangra

Govt’s hasty decision

Refer to ‘Money gaming ban set to play spoilsport’; the online gaming industry is worth $4 billion and employs millions of youth and contributes Rs 20,000 crore in taxes annually. It is indeed debatable whether this decision was taken in haste. Undoubtedly, we cannot ignore the risk of fraud, monetary distress and even suicide cases due to losses in money games and the prospect of money laundering. But a blanket ban will lead to underground activities, recourse to Dark Web, etc. Strict regulatory measures prior to the ban would have been a more pragmatic decision for all stakeholders.

Bal Govind, Noida

Govt hospital under scrutiny

Refer to the report, ‘Dog seen carrying kid’s head at Rajindra Hospital’; it is a heart-wrenching incident which needs to be investigated thoroughly. The records of newborn infants in the Patiala hospital in the last few days should be scrutinised carefully. It is unfortunate that this horrifying incident happened at a premier government hospital, where a large number of patients come daily for treatment. The episode is a blot on the functioning of the hospital.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Dowry still plaguing society

The Noida dowry murder case has brought back the focus on the prevalence of dowry in our society. Despite a law prohibiting this social evil, the physical and mental torture of women continues in many homes. Even educated families ask for dowry in the name of ‘tradition’. It’s high time society understood that dowry is a crime propagated through customs and practices. Young women get depressed, some keep suffering and a few even die. Awareness about the protection that laws offer should be spread so that the affected women can take legal recourse and not suffer in silence due to ignorance. We all need to come together to keep our daughters safe.

Chandan Kumar, Rajpura