Sushma Swaraj was a great ambassador for our country

Our readers have their say about Sushma Swaraj, Kashmir and the Uttar Pradesh rape case

Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has passed away. REUTERS

I write to you in reference to Jack Dutton's article India's former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj dies (August 6).

Swaraj was the most effective Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs in the history of India.  She could find a solution for any issue, however big or small.

I was lucky enough to have interacted with her before she died as I have met all the past ministers for the overseas office during my career. I can firmly state that she was the best among them all.

When I said this to a large crowd in a speech at one of the Pravasi Bharathiya Divas sessions to celebrate overseas Indians, I got a standing ovation.

This is how much Swaraj was appreciated among her peers.

When I met her at one of these sessions, she assured me that the Aadhaar biometric identity card system would also be made available to non-residents.

She managed to achieve this goal during her lifetime. She was able to convince our leaders to add the expense of this new measure to their current budget.

Overseas Indians will never forget Swaraj’s valuable contributions.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

KV Shamsudheen, Sharjah

Swaraj’s death is a huge loss to all of us. She was the best external affairs minister we could ever dream for.

She was also an approachable person. During her visit to address the Indian community in the UAE at an event held in the Indian Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi, she let each and every attendee who wanted to take a photograph with her do so without so much as a murmur.

Her death has left a vacuum that will be difficult to fill.

Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Revocation of Article 370 leaves an uncertain future

I refer to the report India abolishes special status for Kashmir (August 5).

We Kashmiris are deeply worried about India’s unilateral decision to revoke article 370.

Since 1947, we have been subject to harassment and violence. We simply wish to live in peace.

We need support from other Muslim countries and leaders but who will stand with us?

Sahil Ahmad, Kashmir

Justice must be seen to be done in Uttar Pradesh case

I write to you in reference to your powerful article India's top court moves politician's rape trial over intimidation fears (August 1).

The National has covered this alleged scandal very thoroughly. The rape case has been brought against Kuldeep Singh Sengar, a powerful politician in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, who is affiliated with India’s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party.

The fact that the trial will now take place in New Delhi is a good development.

I hope the truth will come out soon.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru