Iran and Israel are both hardline states, but in its pragmatic manifestations—and that happens when ruling personalities are taken out of the balance of things—Iran is much more likely to take a less adventurous, reasonable route with its few friends left in the world (Cloak and Blinkers, Feb 27). And India is one such friend.

Varun Garde, Bangalore

Plainspeak by definition cannot be couched in diplomatic jargon, for others then do not take you seriously. India’s interests alone must dictate our responses and the consequent course to navigate. Our stand in the current imbroglio with Italy over the shooting of two Kerala fishermen is a perfect example.

Ramu Penumarthi, Secunderabad

India is not China in economic or military might, we cannot ape their strategies vis-a-vis West Asia ties blindly.

Navien K. Batta, Oman

Iran is a theocratic mullahcracy while Israel is the “only anti-Muslim face of the world”. Iran supplies us with 15 per cent of our oil needs, we have partnerships with Israel in defence, agriculture and a host of other areas. But given that Israel and India share concerns on the Islamic terror front, perhaps our policymakers should take the Tel Aviv highway.

Sasank, State College, US

India has become as fragile as a windowpane, it does not need a stone to break, a distant explosion can shatter it.

Rajneesh Batra, Delhi

Like China, India’s policy choices in the Middle East must be autonomous of the US alliance.

But, when if comes to Kashmir or Pakistan, Mr. Fai tells me that we must be appreciative of their concerns!! When he paid my foreign junkets and gave expensive gifts, I was convinced that India's policy choices on Pakistan and Kashmir must accommodate their views!!

Blooming idiots!!

Dear Neelabh,

It was quite thoughtful to have reminded us that we should think of our interests as apart from US interests. Your concern is particularly vital for all Indians to know since the incompetent and servile govt. of India has otherwise been kowtowing to Hindutva elements and to US blindly and would go ahead and do the same unless our wise commentator does not take it upon himself to sternly admonish us foolish Indians?

Right Mr Wise Owl Mishra?

 The MEA preferred 'West Asia' would be politically correct to describe that region. I agree that we need to speak and tread the path with the singular aim of our interests remaining paramount. Plain speak cannot be couched in diplomatic jargon- others do not take you seriously. One experienced this at close hand on a visit to Israel. India's interests alone must dictate our response and the consequent course to navigate. The current imbroglio with Italy on the unfortunate incident in the territorial waters off Kerala and the Indian stance is an example. Do what you have to and not because of any extraneous considerations.

 Middle East, Middle Eastern ad infinitum. Where is the Middle East, Mr. Mishra? Is India the Far East then ? Wait, wait, that term is used for China/Japan by the Anglo-Americans, so that line of terminology should'nt be crossed, no? When will you, Editor of the Hindi edition of Outlook, stop thinking in Euro-Centric terms? Is it too difficult to shed the mentality?

India is not China in economic or military strength and cannot ape what China does blindly.

" Like China, India’s policy choices in the Middle East must be autonomous of the US alliance."

I agree.

" Like China, India’s policy choices in the Middle East must be autonomous of the US alliance."

I agree.

India is not China in economic or military strength and cannot ape what China does blindly.

 Middle East, Middle Eastern ad infinitum. Where is the Middle East, Mr. Mishra? Is India the Far East then ? Wait, wait, that term is used for China/Japan by the Anglo-Americans, so that line of terminology should'nt be crossed, no? When will you, Editor of the Hindi edition of Outlook, stop thinking in Euro-Centric terms? Is it too difficult to shed the mentality?

 The MEA preferred 'West Asia' would be politically correct to describe that region. I agree that we need to speak and tread the path with the singular aim of our interests remaining paramount. Plain speak cannot be couched in diplomatic jargon- others do not take you seriously. One experienced this at close hand on a visit to Israel. India's interests alone must dictate our response and the consequent course to navigate. The current imbroglio with Italy on the unfortunate incident in the territorial waters off Kerala and the Indian stance is an example. Do what you have to and not because of any extraneous considerations.

Dear Neelabh,

It was quite thoughtful to have reminded us that we should think of our interests as apart from US interests. Your concern is particularly vital for all Indians to know since the incompetent and servile govt. of India has otherwise been kowtowing to Hindutva elements and to US blindly and would go ahead and do the same unless our wise commentator does not take it upon himself to sternly admonish us foolish Indians?

Right Mr Wise Owl Mishra?

Like China, India’s policy choices in the Middle East must be autonomous of the US alliance.

But, when if comes to Kashmir or Pakistan, Mr. Fai tells me that we must be appreciative of their concerns!! When he paid my foreign junkets and gave expensive gifts, I was convinced that India's policy choices on Pakistan and Kashmir must accommodate their views!!

Blooming idiots!!