Letters to The Editor — March 7, 2026

India’s authority

News that a foreign superpower has ‘granted India a 30-day waiver to purchase oil from Russia’ raises serious questions about the self-respect of independent India. This development is deeply concerning. Where exactly is India’s ‘high command’ placed when it comes to taking diplomatic decisions? As a sovereign democratic republic, it is very alarming to see India’s authority to decide trade relations based on its own national needs being surrendered to another nation.

One must question whether those who rose to power by exploiting religious hatred and communalism are now selling the nation’s supreme authority — rightfully belonging to the people — to imperialist forces. Today, the country appears to be capitulating to the same imperialist powers that leaders such as Gandhiji and Nehru fought for decades to expel through historic struggles. The administration owes the nation an explanation.

S. Padmanabhan,

Kochi

The U.S. attack on an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean sends a stark message to New Delhi and regional players. It reflects Washington’s hegemonic attempt to pressure India into curtailing ties with Iran and toeing U.S.-dictated terms. By targeting a vessel that had recently participated in a peaceful exercise with India, this unprovoked military action signals both economic and military coercion. India should see it as an indirect challenge to its sovereign decision-making. Even as Canada and Finland praise India’s long-standing strategic autonomy, the question remains: will India yield to yet another attempt at subordination by the U.S.?

Arush Upasani,

Pune

Change in Lok Bhavan

It is welcome news that the Tamil Nadu Governor will leave Lok Bhavan, Chennai. Throughout his tenure, he repeatedly undermined the elected government of the State, acted like a political operative rather than a constitutional head, and promoted ideologies alien to the State’s culture. His exit is a relief for Tamil Nadu, though West Bengal now faces the challenge of dealing with him.

Tharcius S. Fernando,

Chennai