Don’t bag it

Sir — From Gucci’s distressed stockings to Jordanluca’s pee-stained pants, fashion labels tend to craft bizarre products that send shock waves across the globe. The latest brand to hop on the bandwagon is Moschino, which has created a clutch called the Sedano bag that looks like a giant stalk of celery. Designed in various shades of green to give it a realistic look, this quirky bag costs a whopping Rs 4 lakh. While it is not clear how many would sign up for this extravagance, Indians, who are grappling with the soaring prices of real vegetables, would surely not even dream of spending a fortune on faux ones.

Nandini Das, Gurugram

Historic comeback

Sir — The unprecedented victory of Donald Trump, the Republican candidate and former president of the United States of America, over the Democratic nominee and current vice-president, Kamala Harris, in the presidential elections reflects the changing dynamics of the American society (“Strongman? Dictator? Nonetheless, it’s a ‘yes’”, Nov 7). Trump successfully exploited Americans’ apprehensions about the economy and immigration, thus ensuring a rightward shift in the world’s dominant superpower.

It is feared that a Republican-majority Senate will enable Trump’s authoritarian impulses such as those of mass deportation, high tariffs on imported goods, and a nationwide abortion ban. This will engender the US’s democratic backsliding.

G. David Milton, Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — Defying all opinion polls that had predicted a close contest, Donald Trump has waltzed into the White House with an overwhelming majority (“Trumped”, Nov 7). Trump has promised to end the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, his erratic taxation policies may encourage global trade wars. Further, his tough stance against immigration will cause heartburn for many countries, including India.

D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Andhra Pradesh

Sir — The Republicans seizing control of the Senate would give Donald Trump free rein to implement his conservative policies regarding the wars in Ukraine and Gaza and the global fight against climate change.

Trump’s win is being considered favourable for New Delhi given his warm relations with the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi. But Trump is highly unpredictable. Relations between the US and India will thus be contingent on the policy compulsions of both countries.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Sir — The right-wing brigade in India has been unreasonably optimistic about a second Trump presidency based on the assumption that it would usher in lenient immigration laws. Trump is a racist and a convicted felon. He has always advocated for protectionism and conservatism. His victory spells doom for global cooperation.

Bidyut Kumar Chatterjee, Faridabad

Sir — Donald Trump’s election as the US president raises several concerns for India. Will Trump’s ‘America First’ agenda lead to higher tariffs on imported Indian goods and an increased share of the military burden for India? How will his foreign policy impact South Asian stability given his hostility towards China? Such uncertainties must be assessed as India negotiates its strategic goals amidst a transformative global order.

Anshu Bharti, Begusarai, Bihar

Sir — It is premature to expect that Donald Trump would bring about a fundamental shift in America’s policies toward India. Trump has criticised India’s high import duties. The Trump presidency can thus pressure India to lower tariffs on imported American products. However, India’s significant role in the Indo-Pacific region can act as a buffer against Trump’s tough stances.

Abhijit Roy, Jamshedpur