New Delhi asserts itself despite Trump's threats

Refer to ‘India has to play along with China’ (The Great Game); there is nothing wrong in having good relations with the US, even though New Delhi has refused to cater to Trump’s self-obsession. It is quite reasonable to argue that in the recent years, an impression emerged that New Delhi tilted a bit more towards the US, even at the cost of old friendships. With India’s assertion that India will continue purchasing oil from Russia despite Trump’s threats and the timely visits of Ajit Doval and S Jaishankar to neighbouring countries, a balance has been struck. Diplomatic wisdom lies in maintaining peaceful and cordial relations with a powerful nation like China also. Meanwhile, the US President’s high-profile meetings with Zelensky and the EU members have helped narrow down the gaps between the NATO, EU leaders and the US.

Raj Bahadur Yadav, Fatehabad

India cannot afford isolation

India stands at a crossroads in the face of an imposing alliance between China and Pakistan. As the less powerful player, India must master the art of timing and restraint. China’s deft diplomacy, weaving ties with Pakistan, Afghanistan — and even reaching out to India — shows that New Delhi cannot afford isolation or rigidity. In today’s turbulent global landscape, India’s path should be one of pragmatic flexibility, not bravado. True strength lies not in loud defiance, but in wise maneuvering and waiting for the right moment to tip the balance in your favour.

Gurdev Singh, Mohali

Not at the cost of our self-esteem

Refer to ‘India has to play along with China’; our eastern neighbour is commending Pakistan for its “tireless efforts” to combat terrorism. If that was so, Pahalgam would have never happened. We all know that China is a strategic partner of Pakistan. India should not try to amend its ties with the US and China at the cost of its self-esteem. New Delhi should not allow itself to become a ball in the global playfield to be kicked to this side or that side by opportunistic nations.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Cloudburst a misnomer

Refer to ‘Hills can no longer absorb the shocks we inflict upon them’; it is true that any rain-related disaster in Himachal is often mislabelled as a ‘cloudburst’. However, the fragile terrain bears the scars of reckless tunnelling, road-cutting, unplanned construction and deforestation, which trigger landslides and destroy livelihoods. Moreover, slurry, muck and debris bury homes and fields, yet this huge devastation is misleadingly termed as ‘natural’. The government must enforce rigorous monitoring and sensitive engineering to safeguard lives.

Chanchal S Mann, Una

No clarity on zero GST on premiums

Apropos of ‘GST revamp’; a zero-GST label may sound appealing and populist, but if insurers quietly adjust base premiums, the customers gain little and transparency suffers. What is missing is a focus on clarity and accountability. A lower GST rate, say 5%, combined with measures like refunding unutilised credits and mandatory disclosure of benefit pass-through to policyholders would deliver genuine relief instead of cosmetic optics. Further, targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens could create deeper social repercussions. Without these safeguards, any GST overhaul risks adding to confusion instead of enhancing consumer protection.

K Kumar, Panchkula

Develop positive mindset

There are sufficient laws to deal with corruption, we do not need any more Acts like the Constitution amendment Bill. The solution lies in applying the existing laws duly supported by fair, transparent and professional investigations as well as subsequent speedy trials without any political interference. The misuse of premier investigative agencies has become the order of the day particularly to harass Opposition leaders. The ruling parties, whether at the Centre or in the states, must inculcate a positive and progressive mindset towards their opponents which is an indispensable need of constitutional democracy.

Ravi Bhushan, Kurukshetra