Letters to The Editor — September 16, 2026 - The HinduPublished - September 16, 2026 12:24 am ISTAI needs global guardrailsWarnings from leaders of the world’s leading AI companies that the technology could become powerful enough to pose a serious risk to humanity very soon may sound like dystopian fiction, but they cannot be dismissed lightly. The danger of allowing companies racing to develop a deeply transformative technology to set their own limits is too serious to ignore. What is needed is effective regulation that establishes clear safety standards without stifling innovation. The international community must create a global framework to prevent the dangerous use of super-intelligent AI in cyberwarfare, bioterrorism and large-scale economic disruption. AI is already being integrated into critical sectors such as banking, transport, health and defence.M. Jeyaram,Sholavandan, Tamil NaduVegetarian cuisineI am unable to fathom why Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi decided to criticise the government for the serving of vegetarian food to delegates at the BRICS summit. It is particularly ill-thought-out at a time when vegetarianism is being promoted across the world through initiatives such as World Vegetarian Day. India is also known for its excellent vegetarian cuisine. I have seen foreigners craving vegetarian food when they visit India.N.G.R. Prasad,ChennaiBeyond rhetoric, toward accountabilityThis is with reference to the article titled “Terror’s changing face, India’s counter-terror strategy” by Rajeev Agarwal (September 14, 2026). While the writer rightly captures the evolving nature of global terrorism — from monolithic networks to decentralised, technology-driven lone-wolf attacks — the article falls short by glossing over critical realities and offering an overly indulgent portrayal of the current administration’s national security policy.The article praises the government for transitioning from “defensive restraint” to a “bold and active strategy”, yet selectively brushes inconvenient lapses under the carpet. While cross-border strikes such as Operation Sindoor are celebrated in dramatic terms, the narrative overlooks persistent internal security vulnerabilities that continue to claim lives. Why, despite heavy security deployment in sensitive zones such as Pahalgam, do terror attacks still occur? Moreover, major security breaches, such as the Delhi blasts, are glossed over or quietly ignored, even though national security is a central component of the government’s electoral manifestos.Much of what is being touted as a paradigm shift appears largely optical. In the wake of actions such as Operation Sindoor, Union Ministers and senior officials rush to the media to recount what they have done or are doing, with some even appearing on camera to declare that “the operation is still going on”. But not every response needs to be designed to generate headlines.While I have no political affiliations and fully respect our defence forces, the tangible results on the ground appear modest when compared with the lofty claims of eradicating terrorism. A crossing of the border or a brief air intervention may generate triumphant speeches and political mileage, but it does little to permanently dismantle the roots of cross-border terrorism.The writer overlooks the quiet effectiveness of behind-the-scenes diplomacy. While India did not launch military strikes after 26/11, it pursued crucial diplomatic initiatives that gradually isolated Pakistan internationally, including its eventual placement on the FATF grey list. Diplomatic engagement and pressure remain fundamental components of statecraft and cannot be replaced by sensationalism.We belong to a nation that admires Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of non-violence and remembers his timeless warning that an “eye for an eye” will make the whole world blind. If we remain trapped in an endless cycle of retaliatory posturing, the other side may simply regroup and return with greater force, perpetuating conflict.Finally, as former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned decades ago, we must beware of the military-industrial complex. In this dangerous dynamic, every terror attack can be treated like a supply order, war can become a testing ground, and conflicts can be used primarily to promote and sell weapons. It is time to demand substantive accountability and robust intelligence rather than photo-ops and grandstanding.Aditya Das,Bhowali, UttarakhandPublished - September 16, 2026 12:24 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }