Insult to ex-PM’s memory

Refer to ‘Disgraceful row’; the editorial is a rebuke to the politicians who are insulting the memory of Dr Manmohan Singh. The conduct of the ruling party and the Opposition is equally disgraceful. The seeds of economic reforms were sown by him and everyone is reaping the benefits today. Politicians from Punjab are crying foul over the lack of proper honour given to Dr Singh during his last journey, but none of them could find a parliamentary seat for him in the state (he served as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Assam and Rajasthan). He wasn’t an accidental Prime Minister but an accidental politician and it is difficult for any academician of his merit to withstand political turbulence.

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Onkar Singh Parmar, Ludhiana

Dr Singh’s visionary leadership

Apropos of ‘The man who made the middle class affluent’; Dr Manmohan Singh’s tenure was a transformative period for India’s middle class. His economic policies not only tripled their average income but also elevated their standard of living, aspirations and global competitiveness. This was a golden era for professionals and the managerial class as opportunities abounded and they flourished. As India continues to grapple with economic challenges, the legacy of Dr Singh serves as a reminder of the power of visionary leadership and the importance of policies that prioritise growth with inclusivity. For the middle class, his decade of leadership remains a landmark.

Gaurav Badhwar, Rohtak

Magnet to draw top talent

With reference to ‘H-1B visa issue’; both President-elect Trump and Elon Musk had weighed in for quality immigration by declaring their support for H-1B visas that would let in talented programmers and other white-collar workers. Musk had even described H1-B as a magnet to draw top talented engineers. Immigration was among the most contentious issues in the presidential election, and Trump’s strong stance against illegal migrants may have helped him emerge victorious. The H-1B visa regime is meant to provide avenues for companies to hire skilled labour. The government must not sit by amid the rising hostility towards Indians.

SK SINGH, by mail

Leaders must address issues

Refer to ‘Trump’s threats portend turbulence’; while his approach seeks to redefine trade policies in favour of the US, it risks undermining global stability and economic partnerships. His aggressive rhetoric could alienate allies, isolating the US on the global stage. India must tread cautiously, balancing its interests while navigating the changing dynamics. Trump’s unpredictable policies might offer opportunities for growth in bilateral trade but could also lead to unforeseen challenges. The world must strive for collaboration, not unilateralism, to address pressing issues like economic inequality and geopolitical tensions. A focus on dialogue, mutual respect and sustainable development is the need of the hour.

Anupam Mehndiratta, Chandigarh

Trump is disrupting trade norms

Apropos of ‘Trump’s threats portend turbulence’; Donald Trump’s use of tariffs to pressure allies like Canada, Denmark and Panama is troubling. Such actions reflect an expansionist policy aimed at achieving geopolitical objectives through economic coercion rather than diplomacy. Threatening Canada over trade disputes, Panama for its strategic importance and Denmark for rejecting the sale of Greenland undermines trust among long-standing allies and disrupts global trade norms. This approach risks destabilising international relations, prioritising dominance over cooperation. It is crucial for global institutions to counter these aggressive tactics and uphold the principles of mutual respect and fairness.

Balbir Singh Kakkar, Jalandhar

World needs leaders like Carter

Refer to ‘Jimmy focussed more on doing good than on doing well’; Jimmy Carter was committed to the principles of peace, diplomacy and international cooperation. He worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections and shelter the homeless. He saved and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Leaders like Carter alone can save the world from the humanitarian catastrophe triggered by the Gaza conflict and the Ukraine-Russia war. No solution seems to be in the offing as global leaders no longer believe in resolving conflicts through diplomacy. His death is a huge loss to humanity at large.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa