Unexpected Visitors

IN TIMES PAST, UNEXPECTED visitors were generally welcome. Work culture, no online connectivity, and short commutes meant that you were home and free by 6 p. m. A friend who dropped in unexpectedly for a chat and chai was greeted with genuine warmth. In today's frenetic world, with many commitments and long work hours, family time is at a premium. Little wonder that few visit – or are expected – without at least a week's notice. Casual, unplanned visits are rare. Uninvited guests are not welcome.

- By KIRAN KARNIK

In this scenario, some recent visitors are making big news. Widely covered was the surprise visit by a F-35 from the Royal Navy's Prince of Wales (PoW) carrier group. Due to a technical problem, the fighter had to land at Thiruvananthapuram. Most – probably including airport officials – thought it was but a brief stop for refuelling or a quick repair, a bio-break for the aircraft (and pilot).

Now, three weeks later (and counting, as I write), the aircraft continues to be grounded, awaiting a tech team and spares. Either the British engineers are amidst their summer vacation – possibly in this year's super-heated Spain – or busy countering PM Starmer's Welfare Bill. Lockheed, the manufacturer, is probably awaiting the next, hourly-changing, trade and tariff order from President Trump to sort out the complexity about whether the spares are being invoiced to India (no FTA, no shipment) or to the mid-ocean carrier group, or to UK. As a potential buyer of F-35s, there are lessons for India on tech problems and spares availability.