The only positive thing about the negotiations is what the NSG and the US is willing to concede. America could ease India's path to the treaty by sharing their nuclear weapons know how with India, something which they were willing to do with Great Britain about 50 years ago. If America is unwilling to ease India's path to H-bomb capability, I would be very sceptical about America's willingness to establish the strategic relationship as I understand it. I am not inclined to submit the country to the deal unless we have a tested H-bomb capability. The last nuclear tests were inconclusive though I am satisfied that the talent and know is there to establish such a capability.
The Australians might be inclined to be arrogant enough to make untenable demands by insisting on India abiding by the full rigours of the NNPT, they will also have to contend with the American desire to have India firmly established in the Western camp. India has tried to have it both ways by its emotional attachment to Nehru and Gandhi's socialism on the one hand, and access to its free market economy which means so much to the West's companies on the lookout for profits. Nuclear non-proliferation and profits is what this deal is about. The UPA is the last governing body in India which feels any need to get cuddly with America. I would only entertain this deal on the basis I have just outlined.
