A US Congressional panel has backed a controversial plan to share civilian nuclear technology with India.
The deal offers US nuclear technology to India in exchange for inspectors’ access to Indian civilian reactors.
The House of Representatives’ International Relations Committee voted 37-5 for the deal, which must still be put to another panel and to Congress.
The agreement was hailed as historic by supporters, although critics say it will damage non-proliferation efforts.
Strategic re-alignment
President George W Bush finalised the agreement during a landmark trip to India in March.
Under the deal, energy-hungry India will get access to US civil nuclear technology and fuel, in return for opening its civilian nuclear facilities to inspection.
But its nuclear weapons sites will remain off-limits.
The agreement was passed by the review committee by 37-5 in favour. So I think there is a very high chance of the deal becoming law in the US Congress, when they vote next month.
[QUOTE]
US backs up India, and all of a sudden, the world has too.
[/QUOTE]
Actually IAEA chief El-Baradei has endorsed the deal in a TV interview, Russia already flew a cargo of Uranium fuel to India only days after the deal was signed (Bush reminded Russia that the deal has not been materialised yet), and France and UK also support it.
Only China is sceptical about it.
[QUOTE]
And what does the US get in return? Read up on that. Its more than just opening up to inspections.
[/QUOTE]
They only make sure that the fue and technology given by them is used only for energy production and not for making nuclear weapons. There is no ban for production of nuclear weapons and only an honorary ban on conducting further tests.
Not if the relation ship is of master slave… US is much much much stronger party and calling the shots. Besides, its India desprate for nuclear technology and US is proliferating even against NPT… So US is getting every thing in return.
India is a nuclear violator and at a time of major concern over Iran, it does not helps the Bush administration by granting legitimancy to India's nuclear arsenal. World would be rasing concern over double standards by American government towards Iran. You are talking about an un-welcoming spotlight towards Israel and energizing new calls from Muslim countries of Middle East free of nuclear weapons.
This agreement weakens States position towards Iran. Tehran has signed Non-Proliferation Treaty and has allwoed inspectors to visit and inspect its facilities. Also, has the right to develop nuclear energy for civilan puposes.
As a part of the discussions, look for Washington to pressure Delhi on enacting a legal ban on further nuclear testing and promise to the fissile materials cutoff treaty.
No no no... You got it all wrong. We are talking of India - US, not Pakistan - US. So mater slave relationship. Please read the topic again it is India US not US Pakistan.
Actually IAEA chief El-Baradei has endorsed the deal in a TV interview, Russia already flew a cargo of Uranium fuel to India only days after the deal was signed (Bush reminded Russia that the deal has not been materialised yet), and France and UK also support it.
Only China is sceptical about it.
They only make sure that the fue and technology given by them is used only for energy production and not for making nuclear weapons. There is no ban for production of nuclear weapons and only an honorary ban on conducting further tests.
And why the heck such an advanced first world nation like India need nuclear feul from outside...With all the advancement and achievements in the nuclear field, shouldn't its domestic assets be sufficient to satisfy its domestic requirements...
India will be losing billions of dollars through their propsed civilan nuclear energy agreement. USA stands to gain over $35billion in hard cash, which is a conservative estimate to say the least.
Washington will also have the statisfaction of gaining, for the first time, a transparent insight into India's nuclear program. These gains are more substantive for the United States. Watch for US Department of State to ask for major financial benefits from this nuclear deal.
India will get the fuel for the nuclear plants but with many conditions, some of them as I mentioned like ban on any further legal nuclear tests, others are currently being negotiated with US and IAEA. So, from now on your nuclear plants are on their mercy.
Consider this, uranium prices, which India desperatly needs thus the push for deal, have been soaring for past few years. Uranium prices jumped over 70% in 2005 and even further in 2006. How much money would America make from it?
Moreover, the deal can be switched off any time. India will lose further discarding and self sufficiency. US will be using the deal to revive its nuclear power industry that has benn lying dead since the Cold War. United States has not developed a single new nuclear reactor for the past 30 years and with this deal you are talking about new money and jobs in the US and more arm sales for Pentagon. Its a nuclear coup by Washington, but oh well its great that Pakistan won't get any part of it. We are happy with China and their help.