It is not unexpected that in the middle of a charged border stand-off, China, our neighbour, has not been sharing hydrological data with us (“No data from China on Brahmaputra this year”, August 19). What is surprising though is that we are still dependent on China to provide us with the necessary hydrological data during the flood season despite all the technological progress we have made and a range of satellites launched to boost remote sensing. This shows that we need to reorient our scientific and technological research to meet these practical requirements. With hostility around us, we should not be caught on the back foot.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
There seems to be no limit to China’s belligerent attitude which now almost borders on growing and open hostility (“Video shows troops trading kicks, punches in Ladakh”, August 20). It is high time that India takes an extremely serious note of the situation and acts accordingly. As a first step towards launching an offensive, but in a peaceful manner, our foreign policy makers should accord diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.
Arun Malankar,
Mumbai
I wonder how many will pay heed to the wish expressed in the Open Page article — “Why we are friends, and should remain so”, August 13 — by a Chinese youth who travelled in India and penned his memorable experiences here. His genuine wish that the two Asian giants attempt conciliation over confrontation is quite appealing. When there has been tension for over 60 days at Doklam, his point that a piece of land is just a piece of land and that it is pointless in sending young people to their death just for a plot of barren land must strike a chord. “Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it” is what Thomas Jefferson said. It must be tried out without delay.
K. Jayanthi,
Chennai
