Apropos, ‘China got live info on India’s strategic assets from CCTVs, relayed it to Pak’ (April 13). Reports suggesting that Pakistan may have access to real-time intelligence from China via surveillance networks raise serious concerns for India’s national security. Such vulnerabilities highlight the risks of relying on foreign technology in security-sensitive domains. India must urgently audit, regulate, or replace such systems to safeguard its sovereignty. Strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and promoting indigenous surveillance technologies are essential to counter potential espionage and ensure that strategic information remains secure from hostile access.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

India’s strategic relevance

This refers to ‘Nice countries come last’ (April 13). Moral standing and democratic credentials count for little when major powers are transacting. The uncomfortable question the article raises is whether India’s social welfare spending, while domestically necessary, has come at the cost of building genuine strategic leverage. That is a legitimate debate worth having openly. However, the solution is not to abandon social equity but to build economic and industrial muscle alongside it. Being a decent country and being strategically relevant are not mutually exclusive — but achieving both requires far more focused priorities than India has demonstrated so far.

SM Jeeva

Chennai

A truly unique voice

The passing of Asha Bhosle marks not just the loss of a legendary playback singer, but the end of an era in Indian music. Her versatility — from classical and ghazals to cabaret and pop — set her apart as a truly unique voice in the history of Indian cinema. In recent years, her influence endured not only through her timeless music but also through digital streaming platforms, where her songs have found renewed popularity among younger audiences.

Vidyasagar Reddy Kethiri

Warangal, Telangana

Published on April 13, 2026