I always believe CPI(M) gives lot of perspectives in N-deal matters & it is in the interest of the country.
1) NSG exemption rules should ensure India to develop its strategic N-fuel reserve to supply for lifetime of reactors in case US is constrained due to its domestic laws. If US tries to confuse this with Hyde act, Govt should simply go with own R&D with private players.
2) Return clause says US will retrieve back all equipments they supplied in the event of N-Test & other critical national interests with 1 year notice period. Obviously, it will hurt US business interests as India will try to minimize US materials whereever possible. If NSG rules limit dealing of other countries like Hyde Act & then there is no sense to go ahead with N-Deal.
If NSG rules are of like Hyde Act, they closed all the door for India's energy security guarntee.
West shall maximum expect tight proliferation control on India; Anything beyond this, will have the potential of intrusion of Hyde Act/NSG rules inwhich India has to make careful thoughts.
RE:India should see NSG exemption rule
by sameer on Feb 14, 2008 03:18 PM Permalink
there is no need for nuclear deal. people in UK are looking for wind and solar power not nuclear energy . India should use these means which they have in Plenty. THE BRITISH ARE NOT STUPID ARE THEY...
RE:India should see NSG exemption rule
by Mukund Chari on Feb 14, 2008 01:10 PM Permalink
I think there would be all types of clauses/pre-conditions in any treaty India signs. It is up to us to make the use of these clauses in India's best national interests. There are certain imperatives for the deal that just cannot be avoided: India needs cleaner energy if our growth is to be environmentally sustainable, and nuclear isolation is not helping us at all. Our reserves are thorium based, and neither have we been able to develop technology to exploite these reserves, nor do we have sufficient uranium reserves to exploit uranium power plants. Considering the above, and also the fact that companies in the US have been able to develop technologies for Thorium based power generation, it seems logical that we allow our companies to gain access to this technology and develop our own power plants based on this technology, successfully circumventing the "return of equipment" clause. Moreover, we would also free up our uranium reserves for our strategic offensive capabilities. Finally, by seeming to ally with US interests after signing the deal, we would also gain critical US support for other international issues, namely a permanent UN Security Council seat, as well as more listening on Pak sponsored terror. Finally, just for comparison, we should remember that China has agreed to much more stringent conditions on a similar treaty it has signed with the United States on nuclear cooperation, and has successfully maintained its nuclear sovereignity as well.
RE:India should see NSG exemption rule
by srinivasan sathya on Feb 14, 2008 01:43 PM Permalink
I agree in terms of India need. But China doesn't party to any Return Clause; Suddenly, If US asks India, pls give me all equipments & i will make compensation & worst is if NSG rules would be also same like Hyde Act or 123 Agreement in this aspect the concept of strategic fuel reserve is redundant as every country may get back parts of the reactors. Then environment will be surrounded with sleeping radio active leak.
India can live upto the standard of profileration concern; But when we need to conduct N-Test due to then prevailing security situation, Installed reactors should be guaranteed with lifetime support. There is initial understanding that incase of US was not able to meet due to domestic laws, India should have the option to contact other suppliers. If US congress men say NSG rules should be also consistent with Hyde Act & if we compromise this, Tarapur incident will be repeated.Do u see this scenario good for India? Instead, 1) India could better sign NPT as it is international agreement. 2) We should also involve our private players & concentrate on alternate energies. Best example telecom player; once BSNL shared its knowhow we have so many quality players AirTel, Tata, Reliance etc.
