Time for trade reforms
Refer to ‘Revisit tariffs to firm up trade pacts’; India stands at a pivotal juncture. It requires bold trade reforms to harness its expanding economic power. The country must shift from reactive measures to proactive strategic policymaking that aligns with both domestic priorities and international objectives. Restrictive quality control measures must be removed and tariffs should be reduced uniformly, except for agricultural imports. This would enhance manufacturing competitiveness and lower costs for producers, particularly in textiles, electronics and garments, making them more competitive globally. Additionally, addressing the overvalued exchange rate, simplifying business regulations and incentivising labour-intensive industries will enable India to capitalise on the “China-plus-one” trend, expand manufacturing business and foster sustainable economic growth.
K Kumar, Panchkula
Test of Trump’s diplomacy
Apropos of ‘Ukraine for truce’; Washington’s efforts to convince Ukraine to accept a ceasefire with Russia for 30 days must be appreciated. Now the ball is in Moscow’s court. Let’s see if Trump can persuade Putin to agree to the truce deal. If things go well, the United Nations, the US and all peace-loving countries should optimise this truce period by prodding both countries to reach an amicable solution to the conflict for a permanent cessation of war. America must rise above economic opportunism and work genuinely to bring about permanent peace. A well-thought out strategy and sincere diplomatic efforts on the part of America can certainly end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Balwinder Singh, Jalandhar
Challenge for ECI
Amid the voter list row in the Delhi polls, the Election Commission of India has invited suggestions from all national and state political parties regarding unresolved issues. One of Indian democracy’s most salient features since Independence has been the ECI’s impartial role in the conduct of elections. But in the recent past, the ECI had taken an aggressive stand on several controversial matters, causing a deep rift between the Opposition and the ruling party. It will be interesting to see how the ECI conducts itself and sorts out various issues.
SK Khosla, Chandigarh
Language a means, not an end
Apropos of ‘Why Tamil Nadu won’t back down on NEP’; rather than satisfying his hunger for power, Chief Minister MK Stalin must pay attention to the development of the state and its people and not confine them within the boundaries of regionalism. When LPG (liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation) is recognised as the key to development and growth of people and nations, the New Education Policy is the way forward as it aligns with broad objectives and means. Language is a means and not an end in itself. Dirty politics must not affect education.
Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula
Prioritise national security
Refer to ‘Curbs on foreigners’; the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, aims to streamline immigration laws, strengthen national security and impose stricter penalties for violations by replacing colonial-era laws. Though it has stringent provisions, the Bill is crucial for regulating processes according to the modern-day requirements of growing security concerns. India has always welcomed visitors, but as the country grows economically, facilitating tourism must not be done at the cost of domestic responsibilities.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
Japanese conduct commendable
Apropos of ‘Bullet train offers surprises galore’; the Japanese do excel in every field, whether it is railways, aviation or banking. Japanese people swear by punctuality, patience and politeness, which are responsible for the prosperity of the nation and its people. Any person who has travelled to various countries of the world always has words of appreciation for these Japanese traits. We, as a nation, must learn lessons of dedication and devotion from them.
VK Anand, Chandigarh
