This refers to the reports, “India at sea over US string of pearls” (July 16) by Rahul Datta and “Awakened PMO readies to hit N-E roads” (July 16).
One would like to commend you for these timely and well-written reports. In the first, the writer has very ably analysed the geo-strategic significance of the Indian Ocean for India, and New Delhi’s failure to establish and maintain a dominant position in its backyard. Squeaking and squealing are not, and cannot be, markers of a strong diplomacy. This well-reasoned analysis must warn New Delhi to get its act together before it's too late.
Also, because of a combination of lack of strategic culture and political will by a succession of lackadaisical politicians, India has jeopardised its national security by failing to build a network of roads right up to its borders with China. And to know that in the 50s and 60s there was official doctrine not to build roads in the North-East, lest the Chinese invaders used them to march into India!