This refers to the editorial “Dealing with the dragon” (July 6). India and China are engaged in border disputes. But they cannot afford to ignore the importance of bilateral relations and the fruits reaped from their economic ties. For China, India is one of the biggest markets for the manufactured goods. In specific, India imports the bulk of raw materials called Active Pharma Ingredients (API) to produce medicines.
India’s strategic moves to get closer to the US, Japan and some other industrialised nations might have spurred China’s ire. Apart from that, India – having granted asylum to Dalai Lama in 1959 – keeps supporting him, adding fuel to China’s wrath. The US has been mute on the ongoing tussle between India and China.
It is unlikely that the US would stand by India in crucial times but would certainly not be aligned to either side. For the two Asian superpowers, there are many issues to be sorted out amicably through dialogue. The rhetoric on both sides will fetch nothing but dampen their respective economic growth.
Vriddhachalam, TN
Modi in Israel
There can be no second opinion that the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Israel is historic.
One only expects that his visit results in a mutually beneficial relationship without affecting the good ties India has nurtured all along with Palestine, standing with it in its justified struggle to become an independent entity. It is also hoped that India will not fall a prey to the super intelligence and unpredictable actions for which Israel is known.
Yvonne Fernando
Chennai
Closer ties
The most significant take-away from Modi’s ‘historic’ visit is the unambiguous message that the Palestinian cause is no more as dear to India as it used to be. The promise of a diminution of the isolation from the international community held out by India’s dehyphenation of Israel and Palestine explains the red-carpet treatment given to the Indian prime Minister in Tel Aviv.
Given his political background and disposition, Modi is the least likely person to act as a go-between Tel Aviv and Ramallah. Modi tends to believe that his ill-disguised pro-Israeli line will only enhance his domestic standing. It is a gloomy prognostication that the procurement of war equipment from Israel can lead to an escalation in the arms race in the region. A fine balance between the military upgrade and the priority of meeting the basic needs of impoverished masses needs to be struck.
G David Milton
Maruthancode, TN
New real estate law
The new law on real estate, RERA, has come into force,and real estate agents have also been brought under its purview. What about the conflict of interest if a real estate agent represents both the buyer and the seller in the same deal? Also, under the existing laws governing cooperative housing societies, the members are not that empowered, unlike managing committees. If the committee acts in a non-transparent manner, the members are helpless. If a member asks for information, which is his right, the committee appoints an advocate who is not needed, and does not bother to part with the required information. The cooperative housing societies need to be brought under the purview of the Right to Information Act. After all,in these days of skyrocketing real estate prices, cooperative housing societies should be compelled to work transparently.
Deendayal Lulla
Mumbai
Governors and governments
Acrimonius slug-fests among the Governors and elected Governments are on the rise in recent times. To avoid confrontation, only apolitical persons, such as retired judges, bureaucrats and persons of eminence should be made Governors. Or people with party affiliations could be considered after a cooling-off period of, say, five years minimum. To do this a strong political will is required. Will our Prime Minister, who minces no words in expecting probity in public life from others, take the initiative in this regard?
V Subramanian
Sholinganallur, TN
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