One big FTA without the US

Apropos of ‘India should play the waiting game’; under Trump 2.0, the international trade architecture has changed from a global order monitored by multilateral institutions to hurriedly cobbled deals and FTAs. Trumponomics has led to a scramble for FTAs among allies and even adversaries to mitigate the impact of US tariffs on their economies. BRICS nations have been singled out for special treatment by the US with a clear message to either fall in line or face high tariffs and penalties. Perhaps the best option for the global economy would be to come together and work out one big FTA keeping the US out. It would perhaps restore some balance in a world being increasingly weighed down by American economic muscle.

Chander Shekhar Dogra, Jalandhar

Pragmatism will save the day

In response to ‘Trump’s onslaught’; India must pursue a calm, measured response to the US trade offensive. While strategic ties with the US are important, India cannot be pressured into abandoning its decades-old partnerships, especially with Russia. Rather than give in to US demands, New Delhi should reinforce diplomatic channels highlighting the mutual benefits of cooperation. Simultaneously, India must diversify its trade partners and strengthen regional alliances to mitigate future economic shocks. Becoming self-reliant in critical sectors, expanding export baskets and maintaining a multi-aligned foreign policy will help India safeguard its national interests. Amid global uncertainty, pragmatism and not panic, should guide India’s response.

Amarjit Singh, by mail

Rahul Gandhi agrees with Trump

Apropos of ‘Trump’s onslaught’; India is walking a tightrope over Trump’s provocatively high tariffs. But his remark calling Indian economy “dead” has been lapped up by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as gospel truth. The US President’s messages are a mix of pressure tactics and frustration over India’s firm stand. Does Trump’s trumpet sound sweeter to the Congress leader than the statements made by the government on the floor of the House?

DV Sharma, Mukerian

India leading the Global South

Apropos of ‘Trump calls Indian economy dead, announces Pak oil deal’; the US President will repent his tariff policy sooner than later. In a fit of arrogance and frustration over trade deal talks with India, he forgot that India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world. The global economy will gradually shift to the Global South, where India is a major player, whereas developed economies are struggling. The Indian diaspora’s contribution and our country’s talent pool, especially in the IT sector, too cannot be ignored.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

Rethink land pooling policy

Refer to ‘Roll back land pooling policy: Punjab farmers hold tractor rallies’; the policy framed by the government appears to be framed without taking into consideration many important aspects. This policy does not seem to be in the interest of farmers and the state as well. Quite a huge area of fertile land will be acquired which will drastically shrink arable land, affecting foodgrain production adversely. Since Punjab is a major contributor of wheat and rice to the central pool, the nation’s food security will also be at stake. The policy is a long-term proposition and will take years to implement and finalise. It will be prudent to give it a second thought. In the meantime, the PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) scheme proposed by then President APJ Abdul Kalam in 2003 may be considered so that benefits of government schemes could percolate down to villages.

Raj Kumar Kapoor, Ropar

Air safety should be top priority

Refer to ‘Air safety audit’; probably it took a massive tragedy like the Ahmedabad air crash for the national air regulator DGCA to wake up. Over 260 safety-related lapses were detected in various airlines. With India set to become the third largest aviation market in the world and the number of flyers increasing by the day, it is imperative that their safety gets top priority. It is prudent on the part of the airlines to self-report about lapses to take transparency to another level. The DGCA must pinpoint the lapses and monitor the action taken by the airlines on a weekly basis to keep tabs on them.

Bal Govind, Noida