Letters to The Editor — January 2, 2026

Mediation claims

First, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed credit, with his repeated claims, for having mediated in the India-Pakistan stand-off in May 2025. The Government of India was quick to deny this by stating that the truce was a bilateral matter in which the DGMOs of both countries were in contact following a request made by the Pakistan side first. Now, China has jumped into the fray by claiming credit for “stopping” the conflict. The Government of India has again rejected this claim by saying there was no third party involvement. Had Operation Sindoor continued for a few more days, there would have been greater destruction in Pakistan. It is strange to think that China could have mediated at that time, because it was the biggest arms supplier to Pakistan.

Govardhana Myneedu,

Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Water safety

Since the Indus Valley Civilisation, there has been a realisation of lapses in separating sewage and drinking water infrastructure. Such an error is the equivalent of a ‘never event’ in medical care. Merely suspending officials in Indore is not enough.

Anany Mishra,

Bhilai, Chhattisgarh