It is the most unfortunate turn of events for India's nuke development program. All along, India's nuke isolation by the western world had been the greatest blessing. It helped our scientists to think independently -in fact, without the western bias- in their strategic planning as well as at the lab floor level. This was the reason for our scientists striking out into uncharted territories of nuke science basic research. Looking at all the imposed contraints, they perforce had to think of fast-breeder reactor technology to breed new fuel from available but dangerously depleting natural reserves. Even this they understood would not carry the civil nuke program far into the future. They then conceived of the thorium conversion as the 3rd stage of nuke program. While the western scientists laughed and jeered the Indian concept, our scientists ploughed on tirelessly with dedication for over 20 years to convert their bold, maverick concept into nuts and bolts reality! About 3 years ago the western scientists were stunned and left gaping in disbelief when the FB test reactor went critical succefully breeding fuel as predicted to the third decimal!! That is when the US hatched this abominable 123 Hatchet Plan. Unfortunately for India, but fortunately for the US, the UPA came to power handing over the reins to the corrupt Congress party. Then again, US was lucky dealing with a weak and pliant PM, Manamohan Singh, who strictly took orders from #10 Janpath without any reservations.
