We have this hullabaloo over the civilian nuclear cooperation treaty between India and the United States. Both the Left Front and the NDA have been vociferously against the agreement for a long time. We have to talk about the politics behind the opposition to the agreement. Let us analyze the agreement and see where the people who oppose it stand.

But before starting this discussion, let us have a look at the text of the 123 Agreement which is the India- US Civilian Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Check the agreement yourselves at the following links

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/90157.pdf

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/aug/90050.htm

It is a long agreement, but a careful study of the agreement would give you some insights. I am just taking some excerpts to point out a few things.

“AFFIRMING that cooperation under this Agreement is between two States possessing advanced nuclear technology, both Parties having the same benefits and advantages, both committed to preventing WMD proliferation;”

This is a major step in terms of India’s nuclear capabilities. With just this one sentence, the US is affirming that India is a nuclear state with advanced technology. Well, maybe everybody knows that, but this is a huge since America is formally acknowledging about India’s capabilities.

“This Agreement shall be implemented in a manner so as not to hinder or otherwise interfere with any other activities involving the use of nuclear material, non-nuclear material, equipment, components, information or technology and military nuclear facilities produced, acquired or developed by them independent of this Agreement for their own purposes.”

It is clear that the circumstances have changed quite a bit after the election of Barack Obama as the president of the United States. This should make it more palatable for the Left who has been against the deal because of the sole reason that United States under Bush was very undesirable as a partner for India for the Left.  So, including even the new developments, we should actually judge the agreement on its merits rather than offering a blind opposition. You be the judge.

- To be contd.

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