But for the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency -- like many other UN watchdog bodies -- leaks like a sieve, we would still have been ignorant of the contents of the draft safeguards agreement submitted by the UPA Government for circulation among IAEA Governors for their approval. The Government of India, it is obvious, is yet to recognise the power of the Internet and realise the importance of transparency at home instead of obsessive secrecy. But even if there had been a tradition of transparent governance -- look at the remarkable way policies are framed in the US -- the Government would have been reluctant to make the draft of the proposed safeguards agreement with the IAEA public. On the contrary, it would have exerted -- as it has done -- to keep it a secret, just as it has been less than forthcoming about the fineprint of the proposed India-US civilian nuclear cooperation agreement ever since it was first mooted on July 18, 2005. Sure, the Prime Minister has on various occasions made statements in Parliament on this issue; in retrospect, on none of these occasions has he been upfront. Doubts and apprehensions raised by parliamentarians were brushed aside as being 'unfounded'; questions asked by scientists were studiedly ignored as being 'irrelevant'. Yet, with the unveiling of the draft safeguards agreement, those 'unfounded' doubts and apprehensions have come true and the 'irrelevant' questions have been answered: The UPA Government has led India into a b
RE:read
by indianpatriot on Jul 12, 2008 01:15 AM Permalink
The UPA Government has led India into a binding commitment that has little to do with the production of civilian nuclear energy and everything to do with bringing us within the restrictive framework of nuclear non-proliferation. The 'deal' is not about liberating India from the clutches of wayward oil-producing nations and the vagaries of fossil fuel, but binding us to the interests of the non-proliferation lobby and the business interests of the nuclear power industry.
RE:read
by hiral joshi on Jul 12, 2008 01:19 AM Permalink
Absolutely agree. The original idea for nuclear cooperation coined during NDA regime where actual intention was strategic partnership with USA. This deal makes a lot more commitment on our part than USA.
RE:read
by Cyber Guy on Jul 12, 2008 01:51 AM Permalink
Do you think BJP is opposing this deal because its harmful to India?? Advani opposes it so that IF he becomes the next PM he wants to operationalise it and take credit.Thats the sole reason BJP is opposing it. Even Vajpayee has lend his support to this deal indirectly. And the reason the left(aka chinese spies) reject it is because they dont want India to get closer with US which will make their homeland(China) more vulnerable.
Atleast we Indians should not see it in a political manner and see the real cause.
You think Manmohan singh and a bunch of scientists who approved this deal from the Indian side are fools?
