MyVoice: Views of our readers 9th May 2025
War has never done justice to any country; it is always devastating and causes irreparable loss. The fierce Operation Sindoor attack and catastrophic damage to nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and POK can really be a matter of pride for some. However, there are other things to consider. The million-dollar question is whether we could kill the real culprits, the ones responsible for the Pahalgam massacre. How will the Union Government justify the killing of 15 during Pakistan army shelling in Poonch and Tangdhar on that very night Operation Sindoor had taken place? A war should be averted at any cost.
Dr. Sunil Chopra, New Upkar Nagar, Ludhiana
An Indo-Pak war can be devastating
Though flare-ups between India and Pakistan are nothing new, India's Operation Sindoor has notably been more aggressive than the military actions launched by Delhi against Pakistan in 2016 and 2019. It is an uncomfortable moment not least because both India and Pakistan possess a considerable stock of nuclear weapons. Over the last few years, the belief that countries do not go to war has disappeared. India has rightly said that it launched missiles and air strikes on nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir targeting 'militant positions' based on credible intelligence inputs. The sharp escalation comes after last month's deadly militant attack on tourists in Pahalgam pushing tensions between the nuclear armed rivals to dangerous new heights. War will certainly spoil the economy and normal situation in India. International mediation is essential to ensure that the current confrontations does not reach a point where nuclear escalation risks come into play. Careful diplomacy from trusted interlocutors can help bring the two countries back from the brink.
P. Victor Selvaraj, Palayamkottai,Tirunelveli- 627002
Need to strengthen internal security
India responded firmly, forcefully and decisively through operation Sindoor targeted and decimated nine nerve centres of terror camps in Pakistan and POK killing 70 plus terrorists in response to the anger which gripped India after the Pahalgam attack does not end here. In fact, it could be the beginning of a new confrontation if Islamabad fails to take credible measures to check the activities of terror outfits operating on its soil. The terrorists and their handlers have paid a heavy price. New Delhi's message to Islamabad is unambiguous and a reiteration that any future aggression by Pakistan will not go unanswered because military option is only one part of a broader, long-term strategy. Although the blood of our countrymen has been avenged in action, we still must safeguard and strengthen our internal security to ensure that pilgrimage events like Amarnath yatra progress smoothly and safely because Pakistan has no remorse about the targets it chooses.
K.R. Srinivasan, New Bhoiguda, Secunderabad--3.
Oppn should rally behind Centre
The Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge the other day charged that an intelligence report was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi three days ahead of the Pahalgam attack because of which he cancelled a scheduled trip to Kashmir but still left the tourists vulnerable. This is no time for political parties to throw brickbats at one another. This is a time of grave national crisis, which calls for political parties, irrespective of affiliation to lend unconditional support to the government's efforts to fight cross-border terrorism which Pakistan has made its favourite national pastime.
Dr. George Jacob, Kochi
Caste-census must be an apolitical exercise
Conducting a caste-based census is no big achievement. Instead, the focus must be launching a development project and to make it accessible to every section of the society and even more importantly ensure participation of underprivileged and disadvantaged sections. The announcement made by the government is not yet clearly founded. If the intention behind it is sincere and aimed at public welfare, it should be welcomed and appreciated in every way. And if its purpose is political, it will inevitably face condemnation.
Abdus Subhan, Begusarai, Bihar
Stay safe from social media fraudsters
A Mumbai woman was defrauded of ₹67.15 lakh in a share market scam. The victim was lured into a fake trading scheme via WhatsApp and persuaded to transfer money across multiple bank accounts. Although social media provides a wonderful platform to interact with others, users should be careful. Sometimes alerts lead to unimaginable loss. Nowadays, the fraudsters are very active and create fake IDs on social media to lure the gullible people into a fake trading scheme.
Abdullah Jameel Azmi, Azamgarh (UP)
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Economic Times
30 minutes ago
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India has taught a lesson to Pakistan, China & Turkey in Operation Sindoor: RSS leader Indresh Kumar
Senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader Indresh Kumar said Congress is responsible not for the independence but partition of the country. Kumar, who is also patron of Muslim Rashtriya Manch, during his visit to Kashmir said that Supreme Court has commented on the character of Congress and Rahul Gandhi, who they said is not a true Indian. "Congress didn't give us freedom, they gave us partition. On 14th of August, Pakistan was formed and what was left was called India and this is what they call freedom. They (Congress) are responsible for partition," said RSS leader was on a two day visit to Kashmir along with selected members of MRM and their families across the country. They visited Pahalgam to pay tributes to victims of April 22 attack at Baisaran. They also took out a Tiranga rally in Pahalgam, which they said is aimed at sending message of peace across the country. "Supreme Court has commented on Congress and it's leaders. SC has stated that Rahul is not true Indian. They have also said that demeaning nation and army has become his habit and he should change it. So, SC has put before us the characteristics of Congress and it's leaders. A hint is enough for the wise," said Kumar adding, "Those who participated in freedom struggle doesn't mean they were all Congress people, they were freedom lovers of the country." The RSS leader said that the government, army and people should work together to give befitting response to people spreading violence, be it the internal element here in J&K, elements from Pakistan or those from China. "After Pahalgam attack Operation Sindoor was against Pakistan and not against anyone in India or Kashmir. We targeted their air bases because we had to teach a lesson to China and we flew drones to teach Turkey a lesson. We had to tell the world that India is an independent new power of the world," said Kumar, adding, "He (Chinese foreign minister) coming here is diplomacy. We will shake hands and if need arises we can twist the hand as well."The RSS leader said that good relations are important for within a family as well as with the neighbours. "But both sides have to play a role in improving repeated defeats in wars Pakistan resorted to terrorism and people of Kashmir were both victims and perpetrators of violence. This place bore the brunt of this violence," said Kumar. Kumar said that India doesn't acknowledge anyone as "intervenor in Kashmir issue." The RSS leader reiterated that Pakistan Occupied Kashmir belongs to India and rejected the two Nation Theory as well. "Muslims and Hindus are not two nations, we inclduing all minorities are one nation called Hindustani. We are one nation, citizens of one country with one flag... May be some day all us here will be in Lahore and do this interaction here," said Kumar. The RSS leader said that "terror and terrorism" has no religion. "So, no one will organize or participate in the funeral prayers of any terrorist and he won't be provided with the land for the last rites. Like the people of Mumbai decided for Kasab," said Kumar. He further said that there was a time when Kashmiri policeman would be killed and other than his family and relatives, nobody would participate in their funerals. "Instead thousands of people, in some cases even 50,000 people would participate in the funeral of now Kashmir has changed this message and this new message we have to take forward. So walk on the path of peace and development and we will suport you all," said Kumar adding, "We will also spread the message that Kashmir which was once known as paradise on earth is once again on the same path."
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First Post
an hour ago
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'Setbacks of past few years...': In talks with Doval, Wang says Modi-Xi Kazan meet 'provided impetus'
Chinese FM Wang Yi highlighted the significance of PM Modi and President Xi Jinping's meeting last year in Russia's Kazan during his talks with NSA Ajit Doval today Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday said that the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Russia's Kazan last year gave 'impetus' for the settlement of the boundary question. 'I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the boundary question. The setbacks we experienced in the past few years were not in the interests of the people of our two countries,' Yi said as he met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added, 'And then in October last year, President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had an important meeting in Kazan. That meeting pointed the direction for the development of our bilateral relations and provided impetus for the proper settlement of the boundary question.' #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "I am very pleased to meet you again in New Delhi for this round of talks between the special representatives of China and India on the boundary question. The setbacks we experienced in the… — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 Yi is on a three-day visit to India and has met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Relations between the two Asian giants have been thawing since an agreement last October on patrolling their Himalayan border, easing a five-year standoff that had hurt trade, investment and air travel. Yi and Doval held an extensive meeting on settling specific issues along the border to advance the Indo-China relationship further. 'I am ready to work with you to build more consensus and identify the direction, the specific goals of the next round of boundary consultations going forward and create more conditions for the improvement and further growth of our bilateral relations,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Delhi: During meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says, "Our two sides should follow the strategic guidance of our leaders. Increase mutual trust through strategic communication. Expand common interest through exchanges and cooperation. And… — ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2025 PM Modi to visit China Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China to attend the upcoming summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Doval said. In his televised opening remarks at a new edition of the Special Representatives' Dialogue on boundary question, Doval also highlighted the 'new energy and momentum' in India-China ties as well as peace along the border. There has been peace and tranquillity along the border, Doval said, adding 'the bilateral engagements between the two countries have been 'more substantial' now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Our prime minister will be visiting China for the SCO summit and therefore, today's talks assume very special importance, he added. It is the first official confirmation of Modi's travel to the Chinese city of Tianjin to attend the summit on August 31 and September 1. With inputs from agencies
Mint
an hour ago
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China's Wang Yi in India: A reset for bilateral ties or just tactical realignment?
Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi is in India to hold a special representative dialogue with India's national security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Wang and Doval are the designated special representatives for the boundary talks. The visit is significant as it comes ahead of the much-anticipated Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China, and is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit is part of the special representative-level dialogue that the two countries agreed to resume, but may be read as part of a long-term strategy to reset bilateral relations between India and China. So the key questions: Why is the timing of Wang Yi's visit significant? Will the US factor move India and China closer? If yes, what would the agenda look like? How will both India and China navigate the Pakistan factor? Mint explains. Why is the timing of Wang Yi's visit significant? Wang Yi's visit to India would be much watched by both the US and comes amid growing tensions between India and the US following President Donald Trump's announcement of an additional 25% tariff for purchasing Russian crude oil, taking the effective tariff on Indian goods to 50%. Notably, during the meeting between Jaishankar and Wang Yi, there was renewed emphasis on: multilateralism, multipolar order and a multipolar Asia, noting the need for stability in global economy. This, in many ways, sets the agenda for the Modi-Xi meeting at the upcoming SCO meeting, which would be closely watched by the US. Pakistan, for whom China was a trusted ally during Operation Sindoor, would also wait and watch as this renewed calculus plays out in South Asia. Will the US factor move India and China closer? The US factor is pushing China and India towards slow but pragmatic tactical realignment. This, amid border issues, the Pakistan factor, and competing claims for regional supremacy in Asia. For India, in the wake of a transactional US, a cautious alignment with China is a tactical move. For China, India remains a huge market for Chinese goods, and for India, there is a need to plug back into the critical mineral supply chain, amidst geopolitical volatility. Currently, India is heavily dependent on imports for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements (REE). Relatedly, while India-Russia and China-Russia maintain strategic proximity, an India-China re-alignment can strengthen the possibility of a Russia-China-India axis, as a key counter pivot to the US hegemony. If the US factor moves India and China closer, what would the agenda look like? PM Modi is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of the month, his first visit to China in seven years, to attend the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. For India, China's position on de-escalation within time frames, restrictive trade practices, and position on cross-border terrorism, will be key to enhancing what EAM Jaishankar stated as the pillars of the relationship: mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest. How will both India and China navigate the Pakistan factor? While a tactical realignment is both imperative and pragmatic for India and China, much remains to be seen how China balances its long-standing relationship with Pakistan, amid India's growing concern about cross-border terrorism. While Pakistan remains a strategic partner for China, Pakistan is also now a ploy for US tactical moves in South Asia. There are slow but steadysigns that broader geopolitical calculus may temporarily bring in a realignment between India and China despite the Pakistan factor. But much remains to be closely watched given the trust deficit. Will de-escalation be the real test for the sticking border issues between India and China? As India and China move ahead on the possible path of tactical realignment, much depends on the progress of the time frames for de-escalation on the border between the two countries. Wang Yi's visit is expected to iron out the process for de-escalation before Modi visits China for the SCO summit. This is Wang Yi's first visit to India following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which saw the relationship hit a complete ahead of the Kazan BRICS Summit (2024), there was a thaw in the relationship with both India and China committing to disengagement. This was completed in Demchok and Depsang, with a resolve to move towards de-escalation. The ticklish issue of time frames for de-escalation still needs to be agreed on, and India has reiterated that momentum in bilateral ties is hinged on a stable and peaceful border. Shweta Singh, associate professor, Department of International Relations, Faculty of International Studies, South Asian University.
