Apropos of ‘Iran regime change may elude Trump’; eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would not automatically mean a pro-Western successor. History offers little comfort here. Iraq and Libya demonstrated what happens when external powers mistake military success for political transformation. Meanwhile, for India, energy dependence, diaspora remittances and trade routes through the Gulf demand careful diplomacy, not ideological alignment with either side. New Delhi should quietly pursue back-channel engagement while keeping its options open. Silence is not neutrality; it is a wasted opportunity. India has built its credibility and should use it constructively before the situation deteriorates further.
A Myilsami, Coimbatore
UN must intervene in Iran war
Military escalation or attempts at regime change in Iran can have far-reaching consequences for world economy and energy security. The past has shown that external interventions often worsen conflicts rather than resolve them, leading to prolonged instability and humanitarian crises. A prolonged conflict in the region may disrupt oil supplies, increase inflation and adversely affect developing countries like India, which depend heavily on imports from the Gulf. The international community, including the United Nations, must actively promote negotiations, ceasefire and confidence-building measures. Peace, stability and cooperation are essential for regional prosperity. Military solutions rarely bring lasting peace, whereas diplomacy can ensure security and development.
Charu Sharma, Hoshiarpur
Inviting global anarchy
Refer to ‘West Asia in turmoil’; Khamenei’s targeted killing by the US and Israeli forces represents a reckless departure from civilised diplomacy that invites global anarchy. Regardless of one’s geopolitical stance, extrajudicial killing of a sovereign head of State is a dangerous precedent that replaces established legal frameworks with raw military force. The US under Donald Trump is becoming a rogue country.
SS Paul, Nadia (WB)
Fragile global equilibrium
Apropos of ‘West Asia in turmoil’; the crisis marks a seismic shift that threatens to dismantle the fragile equilibrium of global energy markets and regional security. This escalation forces New Delhi into a gruelling diplomatic ordeal where the traditional pursuit of strategic autonomy meets the harsh reality of binary geopolitical choices. While strengthening ties with Israel and the US offers undeniable technological and security advantages, sacrificing historical rapport with Tehran risks domestic friction and the loss of a vital gateway to Central Asia. India must move beyond passive balancing and actively leverage its unique position to advocate for de-escalation. Relying solely on a tightrope walk is no longer sustainable when the very pillars of regional stability are collapsing.
K Chidanand Kumar, Bengaluru
Punjab’s economic challenges
Refer to ‘Punjab’s future lies in its cultural imaginary’; without ignoring the richness and resilience of Punjab’s cultural heritage, the state’s challenges are not solely cultural. The economy remains heavily agrarian, and many communities continue to face economic pressures and migration. Culture is deeply intertwined with these realities, and while it can inspire, reflect and preserve identity, it works best when accompanied by concrete attention to the region’s economic growth. Celebrating and nurturing Punjab’s culture is essential, but the state’s future depends on strengthening its economic foundations and fulfilling the aspirations of its people.
Manu Kant, by mail
Samson all the way
India’s impressive victory over the West Indies in a do-or-die match of the T20 World Cup showcases the team’s resilience. The highlight was Sanju Samson’s outstanding performance, whose attacking innings kept India firmly in control during the chase. His timely strokes shifted momentum at crucial stages. Earlier, disciplined bowling led by Jasprit Bumrah ensured that the opposition was prevented from setting a bigger target.
Rukma Sharma, Jalandhar
