India to take part in World Nuclear Commerce
Posted on September 8, 2008 in Current Affairs by Danteshwari
India has been conferred the status of being the only country with nuclear weapons to be in included in the global level nuclear commerce without having to sign the Nuclear Non-profileration Treaty and Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Ban Treaty has been so far been a pre-condition for a country’s participation in the nuclear trade.
The NSG adjusted its guidelines for India to also be part of the nuclear trade world. The NSG had been formed in response to India’s Pokharan Test in 1974; but now it was bending its rules to allow India to participate in the mainstream nuclear world trade.
This was indeed a victory for Indian Prime Minster, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who has been the architect of the Indo-US nuclear deal working closely with US President George Bush. It has been victory for the ruling government in India, which is currently facing a threat to its survival as well as a personal one for Dr. Singh. Commenting on the waiver,Dr. Singh said that it was a “ forward looking and momentous decision”. Bush praised Dr. Singh for being victorious at Vienna.
The deal will allow India access to nuclear fissile technology and material with the help of which it can pursue a credible programme in nuclear energy. It will also open doors for some key technologies, such as hi-tech, which is useful for pharma industries, IT, defence and space and now can be made available for nuclear technology. Presently, it is not available to those outside the nuclear club.
The implications of the deal are far reaching. It goes beyond technology and energy. From strategic point of view, it brings India closer to the US and several European countries. It also recognizes as a force to reckon with in world politics with a democratic system that is stable, a market economy that is growing as well as business appeal.
In Vienna, the NSG waiver was described by the US as a “landmark” decision” and an “important moment” for strengthening non-proliferation globally.
Source TOI September 7th 2008
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