Refer to ‘Business as unusual’; the article exposes the increasingly transactional nature of the current India–US relationship, where strategic partnership is being reduced to a bargaining contest over tariffs and oil. The lowering of tariffs from 50% to 18%is being termed a tariff ‘truce’. Yet this rate remains far above historical levels of 0–5% and offers Indian exporters only a marginal edge over competitors such as Pakistan and Vietnam. This hardly qualifies as a restoration of normal trade relations. Buying US or Venezuelan crude undermines India’s long-cherished principle of strategic autonomy. Reports that India has committed nearly $500 billion to ‘Buy American’ purchases across energy and technology sectors further highlight the intense pressure being exerted to correct a trade surplus that President Trump repeatedly targets. New Delhi must insist on a relationship grounded in mutual respect, transparency and long-term national interest rather than arm-twisting diplomacy.
Vidyasagar Kethiri, Faridabad
US deal an inevitable necessity
Apropos of ‘Business as unusual’; India has effectively surrendered to the Trump administration. The deal is an inevitable necessity for us, even after securing a true gentleman’s agreement with the European Union. Venezuelan oil will not be as cheap as Russian oil, besides our Russian oil partnership stems from a deep, long cherished relationship. Commerce & Industries Minister Piyush Goel’s defence of US agri products entering Indian markets is woefully weak. We will be gradually forced to import surplus US agricultural products, burdening our economy. New Delhi should have adopted a wait-and-watch policy without hurrying into the deal.
Jeevan VK, Pathankot
Acid test for Manipur govt
Apropos of ‘Manipur challenge’; the new government’s acid test would lie in restoring peace and normalcy in Manipur at the earliest. It should shun unilateralism and its efforts in this direction should be visible by engaging all stakeholders in the peace efforts. Worryingly, the disarmament process is yet to be completed; the rehabilitation of the displaced — an urgent task — has to begin in earnest as well. Posterity and, possibly, the polls would judge Yumnam K Singh’s stint in power on this metric in particular.
SS Paul, Nadia (WB)
Familial approach needed
Apropos of ‘Not just a game’: online gaming and its fatal consequences is a complex issue that requires deeper analysis. Focusing on mental health of youngsters alone is not sufficient to address this problem unless it includes mental health concerns of parents and the elderly too. Emotional vulnerabilities cannot be studied and resolved in isolation. A familial approach would be beneficial. It’s high time we go to our basics of socialisation, nurturing of relationships and being a part of Nature.
Neha Saini, Chandigarh
Talk to people around, at home
The Ghaziabad suicides send very disturbing signals regarding mental health of Generation Alpha. Unsatiated curiosities of kids and teenagers in an online world has blurred the boundaries between the real and the reel world. Surprisingly, elders too have fallen in the trap of the unbridled onslaught of AI. Therefore, time and space to sit together, chat, hug, share our joys and sorrows, has shrunk. Not that the entire online world is treacherous, but saner indulgence is definitely the need of the hour. It is high time, our children venture out more towards playing in real playgrounds than virtual ones and talk to living entities rather than deal with strangers. Begin from your own homes.
Rakesh Mohan Sharma, Pathankot
An enduring legacy
Reading The Tribune since my teens, it has been a part of my daily routine when it was priced 15 paise. Reading the newspaper while sipping hot tea in the morning has become an addiction. The thud of the rolled-up paper, hurled by the vendor from his moving bicycle, landing on the balcony is eagerly awaited. I have persisted with The Tribune along with a multitude of other loyal readers for its consistency and objectivity, and staying away from sensationalism. As a retiree, people keep asking me, “How do you pass your time?” Time flies by when I am immersed in reading The Tribune.
Chander Gupta, by mail
