Strategic choices

Apropos of ‘India’s energy choices have been sub-optimal’ (March 26), the ongoing war has placed India in a very precarious situation. Buying of oil from Russia was stopped at the behest of US, destabilising India’s supply chain in the energy sector. Closure of Hormuz Strait has increased the demand and supply pressure, besides steep increase in costs.

These incidents force India to look inward to scout for domestic alternatives.

A few initiatives such as augmenting cooking gas production through private players, pushing EVs and solar power and exploiting the identified oil and gas locations for extraction could ease the pressure.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Attracting FDI

Apropos ‘PN3, amidst fragile capital flows’ (March 26), the FDI flow is dwindling, and Foreign Portfolio Investment is moving out.

PN3 rules, put in place during the border stand-off with China, are being eased now to attract Chinese small ticket FDI without foregoing the control.

With private investment remaining sluggish, India has to augment FDI and keep off the concern on Chinese investment.

NR Nagarajan

Sivakasi

Easing biz laws

With reference to ‘Corporate Law Reforms’ (March 26), Bharat Varadachari’s assessment of the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is measured and fair. The shift from criminal sanctions to civil penalties for routine defaults is long overdue — it removes a disproportionate deterrent that discouraged voluntary regularisation.

The broadened definition of small companies and the digital-first framework are practical improvements. However, the point about lifecycle friction deserves more attention. Incorporation and exit processes remain needlessly cumbersome for low-risk entities.

Fast-track administrative routes for consent-based transactions, without defaulting to NCLT, would meaningfully reduce compliance burden.

M Barathi

Bengaluru

Need for clarity

HDFC Bank needs to provide greater clarity. Transparency is essential not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting the institution’s reputation. Until more information is shared, questions about governance will continue to linger.

The regulator may also need to seek explanations from both the bank and Chakraborty. Whether the issue relates to governance procedures, risk oversight, or strategy, only a clearer understanding will help resolve the uncertainty.

For now, the situation is still unclear, and the final outcome will depend on what investigations reveal in the coming days.

Shivanand Pandit

Margao (Goa)

Published on March 26, 2026