Letters to The Editor — April 2, 2026

War and diplomacy

The then American President, Harry S. Truman, took a calculated risk — after wide consultation with experts, including scientists — to drop the atomic bomb on Japan, in order to end the Second World War. The United Nations subsequently came into being and sought to establish a new world order. Now, decades later, President Donald Trump’s unilateral decisions and executive actions have triggered a multi-pronged assault on nations, destabilising the global order. Who, then, will bell the cat? India’s External Affairs Minister is focused on criticising Pakistan’s initiatives. The Finance Minister maintains that the rupee is stable and the economy robust. The Prime Minister has cautioned that difficult days lie ahead and has sought the cooperation of the entire nation. As a country deeply affected by the West Asian conflict, can India’s leadership put forward a concrete peace proposal and urge Mr. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt this destructive war? Otherwise, China may seize the diplomatic initiative.

Cavery Palani,

Chennai

Under fire

Every American President leaves behind achievements that history records and remembers. Donald Trump’s presidency, however, stands out for its many controversial decisions, actions, and policies, which project him as a “pro-America” yet often anti-world leader. This has invited widespread criticism, with many arguing that his approach has unsettled the global order even as he seeks recognition for peace. Recently, Americans took to the streets in protest. This marks the third such protest and it is striking that many Americans appear unconvinced by his agenda.

Kirti Wadhawan,

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

The oil of geopolitics

Energy security remains the fulcrum of geopolitics. When alliances are tested by war and supply shocks, the fragility of dependence becomes stark. NATO partners cannot afford complacency; diversification of energy sources and investment in renewables are pragmatic shields against coercion. Equally, diplomacy must temper transactional ultimatums with cooperative frameworks, for oil politics has a way of spilling into broader instability. Iran’s stated willingness to end conflict if guarantees are honoured shows that credible assurances matter as much as military might.

Babu Crishna,

Bengaluru