India

Nuclear Trade Deal Between the U.S. and India

The U.S. Congress, this past Wednesday, approved a nuclear trade deal with India. The final approval came as the Senate voted to ratify the deal, 83-13. The legislation will now be presented to President Bush and if the President signs, which he said he will, the legislation will become a law. The nuclear trade deal with India will end a three-decade ban on U.S. nuclear trade with India. President Bush recently stated “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". Although critics claim that the deal will damage global efforts to contain the spread of nuclear weapons. A reason for this is due to the fact that India has tested nuclear weapons but never signed the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Diplomacy concerning the trade deal between the U.S. and India has been going on for years and in 2005, negotiations led to the beginning of the approval process which is now just about finished. The negotiations between the U.S. and India led to the final compromise in which, India will now be able to receive U.S. civilian technology and fuel in return for inspections of its civilian, but not, military facilities. Such a deal will provide mutual gains for both countries. For example, the trade deal has enhanced India’s ability to develop nuclear weapons. If the U.S. in the future supports such a development, a major result will be that a strategy of minimum deterrence and disarmament will be available against potential state enemies of India and the U.S.

Liberal

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/us-congress-gives-thumbs-up-to-landmark-ndeal/368606/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7645522.stm

October 2, 2008 at 9:38 pm