India cannot depend on the US in the event of a conflict with China and Pak. India will have to face the consequences entirely alone. Not one -US or Russia, (Britain and Europe are of course inconsequential)- will ever come to India's rescue. So unless India develops enough nuke weapons and delivery systems to inflict massive damage to the aggressors, it cannot wish away such a scenario. To develop such weapons, India will necessarily have to conduct nuke tests. No simulation studies can replicate or generate the information needed to have truly proven, guaranteed and operational deterrent security cover for the country. So it is meaningless for any PM to bind this country to deals such as the 123 Agreement in the face of such ominous environment in the neighbourhood. In the light of these facts, it will be sheer betrayal of this guileless nation if our politicians and bureaucrats sign and seal this or any such similar deals now or ever in the future and thereby seal the fate of this harmless and well meaning country.
RE:India needs to conduct many more tests
by Sharad on Jul 28, 2007 02:04 PM Permalink
India should not depend on anybody for help. It should take care of its national interests. The definition of national interest can differ from person to person, depending on their view point.
Whether the national interest is retaining our independence to conduct future nuclear tests (mind you, we neither have the nuclear fuel, nor a fully developed technology for that purpose. Otherwise, we wouldn't be trying to make this deal with US) or if it is acquiring the fuel supply and technology to develop our economy, and get into a position of strength is DEBATABLE. Both view points have some merit, and there is always a trade-off.
I prefer the latter and developing our energy infrastructure/economy is greater priority and it will pay-off immediately. I am not so sure about possessing the latest nuclear weapons at the cost of developing our econonmy. I am also not sure if any responsible nation can use nuclear weapon (whether it is China, US, Russia, Pakistan or India) in the event of a war. Future wars will be conventional ones and local. With Globalization, the pressure will be on to wind up any war quickly. Look at US bogged down in Iraq. It is not the lack of technology or superiority, but it is due to the National and International Pressure that their military is not able to rout the enemy.
RE:India needs to conduct many more tests
by mohan lal on Jul 28, 2007 01:33 PM Permalink
It is great mr Naalayak, I fully agrre with you. At this moment, this is the best deal. We should not remain in isolated condition, which always leads to problems. There is not any nedd to test the nuke immediately. If required at the later stage we can come out from the deal. Let us get stronger first.
RE:RE:India needs to conduct many more tests
by Naalayak Chhokra on Jul 28, 2007 01:23 PM Permalink
check this out in the article Major "Making it clear that the US would seek return of nuclear technology and fuel if India conducts a nuclear test "
RE:India needs to conduct many more tests
by Major Sassy on Jul 28, 2007 01:30 PM Permalink
Poor you read what Nick Burn actually said dear:
He did not say nuke tech will be returned he said they posses the right to ask for return in case of eventuallity a general vauge statement that is made for public consumption.
How do you return techonlogy? Brainwash Indian scientist who know it?
Can you take back a nuclear plant?
Be reasonable this is just a throw away bone to the Non proliferation Ayatollah lobby paid by China.
Thin veil...
In any case there are never any guarantees of future; laws can be changed and people do opt out of pacts. this is a poor excuse.
RE:India needs to conduct many more tests
by Major Sassy on Jul 28, 2007 01:19 PM Permalink
Dont spread lies my friend; DAE is on board. What is your locus standi; how do you say that we need more tests to make more weapons? We have already tested enough and even if we need to test more who stops!!
dear Sassy, you sure know very little about nuke technology! Read Dr.A.N.Prasad's rejoinders and interviews in rediff columns and newspapers. He was chief of Nuclear Safety Board, Expert on IAEA Board, and many other vital nuclear functions. While I am a mere technologist with some knowledge of only enrichment, he is an eminent nuclear scientist, innovator, planner, trainer, team builder,administrator and a visionary in the area of nuclear science and technology. He has said without mincing words that no nuke weapons system can be built and put into operational mode without actual tests. Pure simulation studies cannot give you enough knowledge and database needed to build fool-proof, guaranteed--to-work nuke weapon systems. While even a bike designer would not rely solely on simulation to claim performance, you can't expect an entire deterrent nuke weapons system to be designed, built and put in place purely based on simulation studies. No scientist/ group of scientists worth the name will ever stake their career, reputation and security of the country saying that they can build a whole network of weapons systems only using simulation studies.
