A debate is going on in the media and political circles on the 123 agreement. Some are very brave to support the 123 agreement. Some came out vehemently against it. Poor Indians are ignorant of what was/is going on here. The title of the Act is "Henry J.Hyde United States-India Peaceful Atomic Energy Cooperation Act of 2006" and was passed in July 26, 2006. This is the culmination of discussions (open and discreet) went on from 1974. Many Ministries came and gone in between. The critical discussion was in 2005 that ended with the signing a declaration on 18th July 2005 between PM of India and President of US which states "…..PM of India and President of US pledged to work to make the necessary changes in US law and in the international fora to allow full civilian nuclear energy cooperation with India" . We must know that there was a time when India was considered an 'outcaste' as far as nuclear technology was considered. It was due to the hard work of Indian Pioneers of nuclear technology, such as Homi J Bhaba and others that we could develop our nuclear know-how. It was when the so called Nuclear Powers put all sorts of impediments in our road to become a nuclear state. Finally we, in a surprising episode, tested the nuclear device in Pokran in 1974. WE WERE PROUD OF SUCH AN ACHIEVEMT. Indians living abroad were in jubilation on hearing this news. With this the 'self-esteem' of Indians shoot sky-high. People around saw Indians with due recognition. (contd)
