Sir — Joseph Biden is set to assume presidency at a time when the United States of America is encumbered by three simultaneous crises (“The rising”, Nov 9). A brutal second wave of the coronavirus pandemic has reared its head, racking up more than 1,00,000 cases and 1,000 deaths per day. The US economy, too, cannot recover fully as long as the pandemic rages on unabated. But the third crisis, that of race relations, is the one that Biden and Kamala Harris will be under tremendous pressure to address expeditiously. In this regard, it must be noted that, in sharp contrast to Donald Trump’s actions as the president over the last four years, Biden has promised to unite all Americans.

Biden’s victory is a mixed bag for the Narendra Modi-led government in India. While Modi has invested considerably in the Trump administration — he is even believed to have endorsed Trump for re-election — his government’s connection with Biden goes back to the Barack Obama regime when the incumbent external affairs minister, S. Jaishankar, was the Indian ambassador to the US and the present ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, was his deputy. Both of them have reportedly kept in touch with Biden’s advisers, ensuring that the US maintains its bi-partisan consensus towards India.

Many in Delhi might be worried that the Biden administration may apply greater scrutiny to issues such as civil liberties and human rights. As such, India will indeed have to recalibrate its foreign policy with regard to the incoming Biden administration.

S.S. Paul,
Nadia

Sir — The electoral victory of Joe Biden in the US has considerable implications for India. The Biden administration is likely to strengthen ties between India and the US. On the other hand, there could be disagreements between the two countries over contentious issues such as religious fundamentalism, India’s Kashmir policy, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, the National Register of Citizens, Islamophobic politics, the plight of migrant labourers issue and so on.

Being a Democrat, Biden may not be as aggressive as Donald Trump on the China front. However, the US is unlikely to reverse its China policy altogether. As for trade, negotiations that were underway for trade deals might have to be reworked to some extent, especially keeping in mind the need to revive both economies in view of the Covid-19 crisis.

Revisiting the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action policy could also prove to be beneficial for India. Besides this, Biden’s take on the Paris accord could be of great importance in fighting the problem of climate change.

Venu G.S.,
Kollam, Kerala

Sir — As expected, Joe Biden has won the US presidential election by defeating Donald Trump. Along with Americans, the entire world had been witnessing with anguish the erratic decisions taken by Trump in the last four years. His right-wing leanings — including his tacit support to white supremacists which led to a huge divide among the American people — were rather disturbing. Trump’s autocratic decisions on many issues, some of which had massive global ramifications, forced many people to long for his exit from the White House and wish for a less controversial and more unbiased leader who could set right the mess created by Trump and then find ways for the US to get back its former glory as the ‘oldest democracy of the world’. Trump has now become a good example of what a leader should not be.

Tharcius S. Fernando,
Chennai

Sir — It is a relief to hear the change in tone coming from the corridors of power in the US. The remarks made by the president-elect, Joe Biden, in his first speech were soothing compared to the harshness with which Donald Trump concluded his term. Biden’s words of compassion, call for unity among people and expression of respect towards rival Republicans reveal his faith in democratic norms. The promise to form an expert committee immediately to look into matters related to the war against Covid-19 sends the right signal to the administration and displays his no-nonsense attitude. Trump should pave the way for the smooth transition of power, instead of crying foul over a clear mandate in favour of his opponent. The people of the US have minced no words in bidding Trump goodbye.

D.V.G. Sankararao,
Nellimarla, Andhra Pradesh

Think again

Sir — Diwali is only days away, and several states in India are still doubtful about allowing the use of firecrackers, especially keeping in mind the plight of Covid-19 patients. Given the situation, should not citizens themselves resolve to celebrate Diwali without polluting the environment further? Diwali has traditionally been the festival of lights. What state governments should promote is for people to buy earthen lamps to decorate their homes and usher in positivity. This would also greatly help potters and other artisans who are already having to deal with a lack of business.

Isha Agarwal,
Calcutta