•The prime minister’s statements and demeanour on international visits has been a source of pride for Indian citizens. It’s evident that the PM is pushing hard to revive and improve economic growth, environmental performance and cooperation in matters pertaining to terrorism. India’s participation at the G-8, the parade in Paris and the on-going NAM summit in Egypt are led by his vision. He’s also in a position to encourage collaboration among India and other countries on cross-border investments, research and innovation, climate change and energy policy and development.

— Harpreet Sandhu

Ludhiana

Hope & glory

•The role of Indian soldiers in building political stability in Europe, the Indian Ocean region and the Far East has been significant (‘Soldiers to the world’, IE, July 14). That Indian soldiers were allowed to march down the Champs-Élysées on Bastille Day should make the army and Indians proud about the past and hopeful about the future. Also, it’s time Indians learnt to dissociate the British Indian army — the predecessor of independent India’s army — from the political contours of the Raj.

— Rathin Kumar Chanda

Chinsurah

Safely, not slowly

•The recent accident at a Delhi Metro site under construction should be an eye-opener for infrastructure projects (‘Strangers to haste’, IE, July 16). We shouldn’t associate the meeting of deadlines with haste, and thereby with compromises on safety — especially when, as in this particular case, there are no conclusive answers available yet. However, it has often been the case that contractors tended to ignore safety norms in hurrying up.

... contd.