When Dunkirk, by Christopher Nolan, was released, it did start the debate about the lack of representation of Indian soldiers during the World Wars. It is high time that we recognise their yeoman contributions. India played a big role in both World Wars, whether it was supplying raw materials, finished goods or with men fighting on the front. The philosophy of non-alignment and Panchsheel has arisen from these experiences and it is heartening that India is not known as a warring state (Editorial, “The forgotten million”, November 7).
Vrinda Rajvanshi,
New Delhi
The country does put its defence personnel in a difficult position even today; the nature of conflict nowadays involves non-state actors such as terrorists. India is now involved in fighting proxy wars. Also, peacekeeping is a perilous job, keeping in mind that it is usually fought with non-state actors who have no morals and ethics unlike nation states that are bound by commitments and treaties. So, is it really true that our soldiers are better off now?
K. Saisurya,
New Delhi
The contributions and sacrifice of our soldiers are an eye-opener. Perhaps the time is ripe for smart diplomacy and using this fact as an opportunity for India to make a fresh pitch for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Amar Nath Upadhyay,
Varanasi