Prime Minister Narendra Modi needs to be commended for taking a bold step and then reaping the dividends (“Modi presses Sharif on terrorism, >LoC skirmishes ,” May 28). The Pakistan Prime Minister too must be commended for his pragmatic approach. Both leaders have understood the fact that only bilateral talks and trade can clear misgivings and carry the respective countries forward. It is also heartening that Mr. Nawaz took time off to visit a few historic places.
T. Anand Raj,
Chennai
Mr. Modi may be marching ahead, but he must be cautioned that it is not mandatory for Mr. Sharif to listen to what India has to say and abide by. India must now use the good offices of the West to lean on Pakistan. Otherwise, all this effort will be a waste of time. However, it is heartening that Mr. Modi has delivered unexpectedly tough messages to almost all his visitors.
Krishnaswami K.R.,
Chennai
Mr. Sharif deserves a pat on the back for making it, braving the wrath of hardliners back home. Mr. Sharif, and President Rajapaksa too, deserve praise for their goodwill gesture in ordering the release of Indian fishermen.
Mr. Modi should have taken up the issue of prisoners of war with Pakistan, many of whom are still missing since 1971. Their families too deserve answers.
N.J. Ravi Chander,
Bangalore
President Rajapaksa’s visit resulted in the release of fishermen! We are now living in an era where wars are won by desk warriors and where diplomacy is their operating code. Good, bad or indifferent, one cannot ignore our neighbours. Politicians in Tamil Nadu should shed their parochial approach and develop a larger vision.
R. Sankaranarayanan,
Chennai
After the swearing-in ceremony, the Modi government seems to be firing like a ballistic missile and hitting multiple targets. Mr. Modi’s diplomatic coup has also paid off as our neighbours have got to know that this is a government that means business. Prosperous and friendly ties with our neighbours are a prerequisite for the development of the homeland, and the new government seems to have construed and applied this concept quite dexterously and early on.
Jashan Kang,
Chandigarh
