I have great regard for Dr Prasad. But does he expect that we write down what we think will give us ALL the benefits and all memebrs of NSG would sign it? Secondly are we fully geared to move our nuclear energy programme to keep pace with the nation's needs. Can we do this without any help from NSG memebrs? Any bilateral agreement has to have give and take. This would have to be a multilateral agreement. We do not even know if all would suport it. In such a situation wasn't it foolhardy of the left parties to not even allow (!) tne governemnt to sort out an agreement with IAEA. By trying to find out shortcomings or difficulties he, a nuclear scientist, is either telling the countrymen that we do not need nuclear energy or is fully satisfied with our PACE ofsetting up the plants and operationalise them. We no doubt have the capabilities but time and again we have MISMANAGED and delayed in giving the technical capabilities in time and at a reasonable development cost. Be it defence, telecom, nuclear science or medicine. In a global environment one has to move fast in every area in cooperation with others. Nobody will help us without getting benefits for himself. Today our economy is moving fast only because we have allowed our entreprenures to link with one and all as long as it is not a scurity hazard to us. A B Mehta
