Yes we have always the option to test. Twice we did that in the past and we faced trade sanctions. So if test again, we will face trade sanctions
What the deal says that the US may seek to call back the uranium supplied in the event of India testing.
The operating word is in the event of nuclear testing. Even here the agreement provides an exception - the right to test if China or Pakistan tests.
No one in the nuclear community believes any more for the need to physically test. They now test through computer simulation using past test data.
This is the reason why Vajpayee government shrewdly went for a series of explosions - to generate such a data base
The nuclear deal is meant to cater to our short term needs. In the medium to long term, we depend upon fast breeder depending on thorium. This opinion is confirmed by ex-President Kalam himself.
Secondly, we do not need so much technological know how from the US. They are generations behind us as they suspended their civilian nuclear program for decades. Our fast breeders is the cutting edge. But we need to improve aspects like efficiency, safety. We need to still get uranium to feed our old generation reactors which are running at 50%. All these and more the US curbs through exercising their clout in NSG - preventing even friendly nations like France & Russia to supply these to us.
