Donald Trump is increasingly becoming a maverick, and not many take his remarks seriously (‘Mining for peace in Pakistan’, May 25). He had absolutely no role in ending the conflict between India and Pakistan. Trump should never even think of meddling in India’s internal affairs.
If Pakistan chooses to seek his intervention, that is their prerogative. But India has never, and will never, do the same. The relationship between India and the US has always been one of equal partnership.
The Indian government and its diplomats are well-equipped to handle Trump’s unpredictable statements with the composure and clarity they are known for. For now, they should ignore him.
Vinay Tyagi,
On email.
Trump does not genuinely favour Pakistan. He wants to work with India. What we are seeing are just political gimmicks from Trump—much like his occasional feigned closeness with China. Trump’s outreach to Pakistan is also a subtle signal aimed at keeping them aligned with the US. India plays a similar game by strengthening ties with Russia, sometimes ruffling feathers in Washington.
Diplomacy, after all, is a game of strategy and perception. It is all about playing it smart.
Ramesh G. Vaidyanathan,
On email.
Modi should ask Trump to speak more responsibly. If there is one world leader who can influence Trump’s thinking, it is Modi. Trump knows that Pakistan has been the root cause of many global security concerns, including some affecting the US. But it is just that he does not want to admit it at this point.
The US should never bracket India and Pakistan together. Doing so is like equating the victim with the perpetrator. India has shown remarkable restraint and responsibility on the global stage. If Trump misreads the situation and India begins to respond in kind, it could trigger serious diplomatic issues.
Neeta Mathur,
On email.
India took a few days to deliver a strong message to the perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack, as well as their trainers and supporters. Striking at those hiding in the territory of a foreign nation is no child’s play—it requires meticulous planning on different fronts.
India’s political leadership evaluated the situation from all possible angles and orchestrated a powerful and calculated response.
C.M.A. Sreepada,
On email.
Millions of Indians read the reports on Operation Sindoor and its aftermath with immense pride and passion.
What mattered was the fact that the reins of power were in the hands of a decisive leader, Prime Minister Modi.
G. Venkat Prasad,
On email.
Not in Tendulkar’s league
Virat Kohli is a cricketer par excellence, and the same can be said of Rohit Sharma (‘The end of an aura’, May 25). However, they don’t quite reach the iconic stature of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, M.S. Dhoni, or Sourav Ganguly. While a player like Kohli has surpassed several ODI records set by the greats of the game, his performance in Test cricket falls short by comparison.
Also, it is well accepted that today’s batsmen do not face the same kind of fierce and varied bowling attacks that players of the earlier era had to contend with.
Tanuj Gupta,
On email.
Kohli should have continued playing Test cricket. There was no real urgency for him to retire. Usually, players choose to retire from Test cricket towards the end of their careers. Kohli had the fitness and form to possibly continue until the age of 45. Had he done so, he might have even surpassed Tendulkar’s records in the format.
Sriparna Das,
On email.
When legends like Tendulkar retired, there was a palpable sense of vacuum—almost a hole in the heart. But that has not quite been the case with Kohli, or even Rohit.
Unlike in the past, Indian cricket today is brimming with talent. So much so that we no longer feel the absence of any one player, no matter how great he may have been. There are simply too many waiting in the wings.
Inder Sharma,
On email.
Commendable
The interview with Banu Mushtaq was impressive. I liked her poignant appeal to the Almighty not to be an inexperienced potter in the next creation of mankind (‘Restless heart’, May 25).
Mushtaq’s stories vividly reflect the struggles of marginalised communities, and it is truly commendable that she has wielded her pen to confront the injustices prevailing in society.
Jayakumar A.V.,
On email.
Calm and aggression
The issue of THE WEEK (May 25) featured two contrasting stories—one highlighting calm, and the other, aggression.
Calm was represented by the new pope, whose innate serenity is reflected in his demeanour, manner of communication, and interactions with others, making him a role model for future church leaders. His gentle voice, composed nature, and charming presence have earned admiration across the world.
Aggression was demonstrated by India in a decisive military action against Pakistan’s key terrorist camps. The swift and precise retaliation, which caught many nations off guard, sent shockwaves through Pakistan. It served as a stern message: any nation that threatens India’s sovereignty will face a strong reply.
Raghavan Rajagopal,
On email.