This refers to the report, “In U-turn, India cancels visa to Chinese dissident” (April 26). Generally, neither the matter of issuing a visa or cancelling it is a big thing in the hurly-burly of international relations. However, there is a lot to be said in this context about the manner in which this played out and the people involved. They are such that they leave a scar on the reputation of the world’s largest democracy. Diplomacy, however, is a messy business when it involves a strong neighbour.