U.S. - India Nuclear Deal Passes as America Focuses on Bailout Plan

National and international news sources are reporting about a nuclear deal between the US and India. The US Congress and Senate have both approved a nuclear deal between the US and India. The LA Times reports the debate ensued for three years. The deal passed the Senate on September 28th, Congress October 1st and ends a 30-year ban on sales to India of nuclear technology and fuel. The ban was the result of India developing and testing a nuclear device in 1974. The deal was signed yesterday, October 10th, and does not require India to sign the Non-proliferation treaty.

Advocates of the bill say it will “will form a lasting strategic alliance between the United States and the world’s largest democracy.” Supporters of the bill also contend that this partnership will help offset China’s current dominance in Asia. In a BBC News article, Condolezza Rice, is quoted saying the bill is a “landmark deal” and received “strong bi-partisan support.” President Bush applauded the deal in an official statement on October 1st saying “This legislation will strengthen our global nuclear nonproliferation efforts, protect the environment, create jobs, and assist India in meeting its growing energy needs in a responsible manner.”

Opponents of the bill are concerned that the current deal does not require India to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Other nations pursuing nuclear technology are required to sign this treaty. India has agreed that it’s civilian nuclear facilities will be open for inspection. However, their military facilities will not be open for inspection. Bi-partisan opponents are also concerned that “rewarding a country that ignored international nonproliferation efforts, the deal will make it harder for world powers to contain the spread of nuclear weapons to countries such as Iran, and may even accelerate nuclear arms races.”

An October 3rd Seattle Times article reported and explained strong opposition to the deal. Those in favor of it seem to have their approval centered around India’s geographical location and hopes that India will be “key to battling Islamic extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan.” Strongly opposed to the deal chairman of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, retired Army Lt. Gen. Robert Gard is concerned that “This deal significantly weakens U.S. and international security.”

Of course, the U.S. - India deal is touted mostly a move for energy and economy, however there is cause for concern when a country will not sign a non-proliferation treaty, will only allow civilian reactors to be inspected and reserves the right to determine which reactors are considered civilian at any given time. As with most complicated situations we face there are several ways to view this deal. In the arena of expanding nuclear energy this may be called a victory, in the arena of national and international security this is a grave concern. Time will tell.

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Photo Credit: wikinews via public domain/creative commons license

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