What the author regarding weapons says is largely correct but that still does not answer the question on nuclear testing and the nuclear deal properly. Consider:
1) Nuclear tests are typically done to create efficient bombs but given the destructive power of these bombs it is not neccessary to make these efficient if the purpose is deterrance. Other nations have conducted 1000s of tests to use Nuclear weapons actively at some point on well bounded targets and not for deterrance alone. India's goals are different. We don't aspire to play a miliary role at the global stage other than peacekeeping. 2) The 1.4 billion ppl are now desperate for better living standards. Infrastructure development whose core is power holds to key to future progress. We need the nuclear power in addition to other sources of power. There are only 2 options: develop the technology independently or import it. We have failed on the development front over the last 50 years. Import will eventually lead to development with the participation of private Indian firms. Irrespective of the american terms, which we may in a position to violate 20 years from now without, we should go for this deal now, which is a rere opportunity.
