it seems only western countries have the right to retain and develop nuclear weapons. At present only China is recognized as a nuclear power, while the others are the European Union, USA ( Australia New Zealand Japan) and Russia. Even China is grudgingly acknowledged because it bulldozed its way into the club.
RE:Nuclear weapons
by Gopal on Aug 08, 2008 11:03 PM Permalink
Yes. China tested nuclear device in 64. Immediately China was declared a 'Nuclear weapon State'. India tested it in 74. They refused to give the status of 'Nuclear weapon State'. Why this double standard. 1964 was the time when US was trying all means to befriend China. Remember the shuttle diplomacy. It was the period of the 'Cultural revolution' of China.
RE:Nuclear weapons
by Sandeep on Aug 08, 2008 11:57 PM Permalink
Yes, India should have been a Nuclear power. Unfortunately, India tested in 1974 and this treaty came about in 1968 so India missed by a few years. Also, then India was aligned with Russia to some extent and did not have enough voice then. I feel if the countries then had seen India rising like the way it did in 90s, they would have decided to make India a NPT signatory with Nuclear Weapon status.
I feel, with this exceptional treaty, maybe in future, India will get to finally get in the club as Nuclear Weapon country.
