MyVoice: Views of our readers 2nd October 2026

India should keep US in the loop continuously

Itis with reference to the editorial “India cautions US against Pak’s role in.promoting terror “ (October 1). India’s strategic cautioning of the United States regarding Pakistan’s state- sponsored terrorism is crucial for preserving South Asian regional stability, protecting India- US bilateral trust and alignment on global counterterrorism. This longstanding diplomatic position has gained renewed urgency following recent geopolitical friction, notably underscored by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar at the Asia Society in New York. India maintains that America’s engagement with Pakistan must not come at the expense of ignoring cross-border militancy. Also India continually reminds western partners that Pakistan has historically played both sides of the war on terror. India’s present stand ensures the US gets aware that India views state -sponsored terrorism as an act of war. This forces America to use its remaining diplomatic and economic leverage over Pakistan to preemptively suppress militant activity before it triggers a major military retaliation.

P Victor Selvaraj,Tirunelveli

US peeved with India’s progress

Thisis further to your editorial “India cautions US against Pak’s role in promoting terror”. India has been warning the US, time and again, that Pakistan is an unreliable neighbour, having a sole intention of destabilising and destroying India. Pakistan, despite all warnings from India continues to indulge shamelessly in anti-India activities overtly and covertly – constantly raking up the Kashmir issue as a smokescreen for all its despicable activities of terrorism and cross-border jihadi activities. The US is aware of Pakistan’s involvement in global terror activity since Osama bin Laden was sheltered in Pakistan and has been killed by the US special force. The main irritant to the US is India’s growth story, and the friendly ties of Bharat with Russia and China. Pakistan’s bonhomie with the US, suits the latter in the Iran imbroglio, though the US constantly drumming that the Iran would end soon, while changing the tone to extreme aggression against that country, having no clue to end the war amicably.

K R Venkata Narasimhan,Madurai

Flight to nowhere?

Canit be called a miraculous escape, or was it the captain’s extraordinary presence of mind and courage that averted a major disaster? Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar reportedly brought a Flydubai aircraft under control after being wounded by his co-pilot during the flight. With the aircraft reportedly plunging rapidly, some passengers helped restrain the co-pilot, enabling Captain Machchhar to regain control and land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers heaved a sigh of relief. Both pilots are reportedly undergoing treatment in hospital. The incident raises serious questions about what prompted the co-pilot’s alleged action. A thorough investigation should reveal the facts and the circumstances behind this frightening episode.

Dr N S R Murthy,Secunderabad

Aviation sector very vulnerable still

Perhapsthis is one of the most extraordinarily tragic incidents in aviation history; a co-pilot allegedly attacked and seriously stabbed the captain of a passenger aircraft during flight, reportedly in an attempt to take control of the aircraft and crash it. Despite suffering serious knife injuries and bleeding heavily, the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, displayed remarkable courage, presence of mind and a strong sense of responsibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Captain Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery, saying that despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker, thereby helping prevent a catastrophic mid-air disaster.

The incident has shocked people around the world. Captain Machchhar’s courage, determination and devotion to his duty, even while grievously injured, deserve our deepest admiration. His actions, together with those of the crew, the other pilots and the courageous passengers, played a crucial role in bringing the aircraft and its 174 occupants safely to the ground. Does this unprecedented incident raise questions about whether even the safest mode of modern transportation can ever be completely immune from an unexpected human threat? While air travel remains extraordinarily safe, the incident is a sobering reminder that no system can be entirely free from vulnerability.

Tharcius Fernando,Chennai

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