India more than a prop

Refer to ‘Trump ko gussa kyon aata hai’ (The Great Game); Donald Trump’s latest outburst is less about foreign policy and more about optics and pressure tactics — tariffs doubled, sanctions threatened, immigrants deported, visas taxed like luxury goods. Deepak Chopra calls it a craving for love; I call it a strategy for ratings. The man knows that the angrier he is, the more the world watches. But India isn’t toeing his line. Modi’s Moscow hug and refusal to sell out farmers’ interests are antithetical to his plan. Trump thrives on making others dance to his tune; India must maintain its own playlist. Superpowers sulk when they are ignored. Let him stew in his golden tower — we have bigger plans than being a prop in someone’s ego parade.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

US wants to remain superpower

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for the India-Pakistan ceasefire. Now, he is keen to project himself as a global peacemaker by seeking to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. America has long pursued dominance on the world stage. It is striving to maintain its status as the sole superpower. Trump’s policies, rooted in arrogance and self-interest, can have catastrophic consequences for the US. He seems to forget that every nation has the right to pursue its own economic and social progress. If Russian oil is available to India at a cheaper rate, why should it be compelled to buy the same commodity from America at an exorbitant price?

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Sangrur

Look for new trade partners

Refer to ‘Trump ko gussa kyon aata hai’; his anger stems from India pursuing its own strategic and economic path, especially maintaining ties with Russia. China also buys oil from Russia, but it was not included by the US President in the order on tariff hikes. Washington avoids targeting Beijing because of China’s leverage over critical minerals, which are vital for US defence and technology. India must not succumb to US pressure and explore new trade partners.

Harbinder S Dhillon, Una

Textile sector to bear the brunt

The US tariff hike is going to be a big challenge for the textile sector. India’s textile industry sends nearly 27 per cent of its products to the US and this share is rising due to the viability of Indian goods there. This hike is going to cause a dent in the textile orders, reduce profit margins and tighten bank credit. Some workers will be shown the door by industrial units. Most importantly, this industry functions mostly on credit provided by banks. Higher tariffs are giving sleepless nights to lenders as well. Reforms in credit guarantee programmes and export incentive schemes can help to rescue this sector.

Hardeep Singh Ahuja, by mail

Rahul’s allegations serious

Apropos of ‘Have already taken oath in Parl: Rahul hits back at poll panel’; the Leader of Opposition’s allegations of massive voter theft raises serious questions about the sanctity of the electoral process. Rahul’s claim that a Congress team spent six months analysing voter data to spot gross irregularities is too serious to be dismissed either by the ECI or the BJP, the alleged beneficiary of such malpractices. The apex election body must probe the allegations in a transparent manner. The Congress will pay a heavy political cost if Rahul’s allegations are found to be baseless, so what is the ECI afraid of?

SS Paul, Nadia

ECI must answer LoP’s queries

The allegations by the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi regarding discrepancies in electoral rolls in a Karnataka Assembly constituency are deeply concerning. The Election Commission of India is a cornerstone of our democracy and its credibility is paramount. The public’s faith in the electoral process itself rests on the ECI’s transparent and impartial functioning. There are only a few possibilities: either the allegations are false or the discrepancies are a procedural lapse or a deliberate design. Rather than engaging in political vilification, the commission should address these points. Don’t shoot the messenger; pay heed to the message.

Rakesh Gupta, Patiala