Pakistan a puppet in US hands

With reference to ‘Win over neighbours or lose out’; India must rethink and strengthen its foreign policy in the region. This strategy becomes even more critical amid apprehensions that the US may use Pakistan’s military bases for potential operations against Iran. President Trump applauding Pakistan for its anti-terror stance reinforces our western neighbour’s image as a pliable actor in global geopolitics, willing to sacrifice national integrity for short-term gains and international approval. India’s foreign policy must remain rooted in strategic self-interest, and in the same breath, committed to fostering respectful, equitable relations within South Asia.

Naresh Kumar Nijhawan, Karnal

Friendship based on equality

Apropos of the news report ‘Now, Trump says India, Pakistan ended conflict’; the US President has finally conceded that India and Pakistan ended the post-Pahalgam four-day conflict themselves. His appreciation for Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir shows that the US has vested interests in Pakistan, which may be trade-related or regarding the use of Pakistani soil for launching attacks against Iran. In the same vein, he also lauded PM Modi to keep New Delhi happy. Trump must remember that India is willing to forge a friendship with the US only on the basis of equality and he must restrain from arm-twisting of any kind.

Upendra Sharma, by mail

India can play mediator

The Iranian missile attack on a hospital in Israel is reprehensible. The UN specifically prohibits attacks on hospitals and schools during a war. Iranian action is bound to attract retaliation from Israel, widening the ongoing conflict and potentially pulling the US into the war. It will have disastrous consequences for the whole world. The war may become a long-term entanglement, as it happened in Afghanistan and Iraq. Wars do not follow a prepared script. India has close relations with both countries. Israel, in particular, has been steadfast and categorical in its support for India. There is also close defence and technological cooperation between the two. As such, India cannot take sides in the war but can play a mediator’s role in bringing about the cessation of hostilities.

V Jayaraman, Chennai

Address doctors’ issues

Refer to ‘Healing Punjab’; before implementing the bond policy, the government needs to address the multi-faceted problems plaguing the medical profession, like low entry-level salaries, lack of assured career progression, poor working conditions, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, safety concerns, high patient load and additional duties. Steps must be taken to make government service attractive; otherwise, the bond policy would be considered as bonded labour.

Vitull K Gupta, Bathinda

Villagers deserve good healthcare

The Punjab Government deserves a huge round of applause for its decision to introduce a bond policy for MBBS and BDS students from the upcoming session. Some states and Central medical institutions have already implemented this model. It would address the long-pending shortage of doctors in state-run government hospitals, especially in rural pockets of the state. The health of the people in villages is as important as that of the city dwellers. The government must ensure effective implementation of this policy.

Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh

Amit Shah’s take on English

Speaking at a book launch, Union Home Minister Amit Shah prophesied that the day was not far when speakers of the English language in India would feel ashamed. His diatribe against English has been condemned by people from different walks of life. His statement is prejudiced and myopic. Shah has conveniently forgotten that English is a universal language and a basic requirement for Indian engagement internationally in the fields of education, business, trade and investments. Also, English serves as the unifying force in a country like India where multiple languages are spoken by diverse groups of people.

Tharcius S Fernando, Chennai