White paper on defence pacts

Refer to ‘What lies beneath India-US defence pact’; the article rightly probes the strategic haze surrounding India’s defence agreements with the United States. In an era of shifting alliances and rising regional tensions, India cannot afford strategic drift or diplomatic vagueness. Defence cooperation must be rooted in clear objectives, not just ceremonial handshakes or photo-ops. Ambiguity may serve short-term flexibility, but it risks long-term confusion. A periodic white paper on defence partnerships — detailing scope, safeguards and strategic rationale — could bridge the trust gap and foster informed debate.

Abbharna Barathi, Chennai

Strategic autonomy important

The India-US defence pact is crucial for strengthening strategic ties, but it must be approached with caution and clarity. While cooperation with the US enhances India’s defence capabilities, excessive dependence may compromise our autonomy. New Delhi must ensure that such agreements serve national interests rather than align blindly with global power politics. Transparency in terms and long-term objectives is essential to maintain balance between major powers like the US, Russia and China. Defence collaboration should focus on technology sharing, self-reliance and regional stability, not geopolitical rivalry. India’s foreign policy must remain guided by independence and mutual respect.

Chandan Kumar, Rajpura

Running after votes

Refer to ‘How Bihar’s women became kingmakers’; in every Assembly poll over the years, political parties have been pursuing women voters more enthusiastically as compared to men. Parties these days are promising them the moon. Dilapidated school buildings, broken roads, women security, no jobs — nobody is looking at that. The parties instead of promising doles to women, should give priority to education, employment, hospitals and nutritious food on every plate, otherwise we must consider the country going to the dogs.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Bad management or leadership?

Refer to ‘PU unrest’; students easily fall prey to the machinations of political parties having vested interests. The anarchic environment in which our higher education had been functioning lately has made it impossible to distinguish between bad management and bad leadership. Most teachers lack knowledge, competence and commitment and are unconcerned about the cause and welfare of students. The democratisation of the decision- making process in universities is being advocated and conceded for the wrong reasons. Even the right things done for the wrong reasons will sow the seeds of disaster.

Anil Bhatia, Hisar

Attack on humanity

The Delhi blast near the Red Fort has left the nation numb with grief and anger. Innocent lives have again been snatched away in a senseless act of terror. How many more such tragedies must we witness before we truly learn to protect our people? It is heartbreaking to see families torn apart and our capital gripped by fear. Such incidents are not just attacks on individuals, they are attacks on humanity. We cannot allow these violent acts to divide or demoralise us. Time has come for stronger action, better intelligence and greater accountability. The safety of every citizen must be treated as important. Besides government efforts, each one of us must remain vigilant and courageous in standing against terror and hatred in all its forms.

Amrit Pal Singh Brar, Amritsar

Clean air non-negotiable

The recent protest at the India Gate shows how citizens are finally refusing to accept polluted air as a normal. For years, air pollution has been treated as just another seasonal issue, but clean air is not a luxury — it’s a basic right. Policies and court orders alone cannot fight this battle; it needs accountability and urgency from both the government and citizens. Delhi’s air crisis should no longer fade with the smog — it must spark initiation of long-lasting solutions for a breathable tomorrow.

Rachita, Chandigarh