U.S. and India reach landmark nuclear deal

“We have reached an understanding on the implementation of our agreement on civil nuclear cooperation,” Singh said during a joint appearance by the two leaders. “I have conveyed to the president that India has finalized the identification of civilian facilities to which we had committed.”

Under the accord, the United States would share American nuclear know-how and fuel with India to help power its fast-growing economy, even though India won’t sign the international nonproliferation treaty. It would represent a major shift in policy for the United States, which imposed temporary sanctions on India in 1998 after it conducted nuclear tests.

www.msnbc.msn.com...

What do you guys think could be the reasons for this deal? I am sure it won't sit well with Pakistan and other neighboring countries. This has just happened so post any new developments or information when it comes out.

George W Bush and the Indian Prime Minister have hammered out a civilian nuclear deal for supply of nuclear fuel to India.
But considering the strong non-proliferation lobby in the US, will Bush be able to get it passed in the US Congress?
Doesn’t the old mindset need to change? Nuclear India has a clean non-proliferation record. It needs more nuclear energy. For America, it could translate into a financial bonanza.
So what’s holding back the Congress?

The US and India are strategic partners.
For America, India is a counter force to China.
India is an emerging economic power and the fourth largest military power in the world.
They know full well that India isn’t going to sell enriched uranium to ‘rogue states’ or terrorist organizations. It has never done so and will never do so. It is a responsible nuclear power.
And it is the biggest democracy in the world.

So now it is for the US Government to go to Congress and make the necessary amendments to the laws and to approach the Nuclear Suppliers Group for working out the deal.
Do you think that Bush will be able to pull it through?
I daresay, It's gonna be tough!!






[edit on 2-3-2006 by mikesingh]

Originally posted by mikesingh
George W Bush and the Indian Prime Minister have hammered out a civilian nuclear deal for supply of nuclear fuel to India.

Its to supply fuel. The fuel used to power civilian power plants is not the same as the fuel needed to expand India's nuclear weapons cache. This is why the Iran issue is so hot, they want to make their own fuel, they have turned down offers to have it made for them. The sole and only reason for that is so they can make weapons grade plutonium instead. India however really wants fuel to power its cities.

I dont think the US congress will have an issue with this deal. Actually, I think they will be very much for it, as relations with the worlds next super power are critical.

I think this is very good news.


[edit on 2-3-2006 by skippytjc]

Agreed, I dont think India cares for fuel for nuclear weapons as they are already a nuclear power.


We are just helping out, and lets face it, we need a strategic partner in that part of the world.

India could militarily become a threat to china.

India for the most part isnt muslim but hindu, and some sects of very old buddhism. So this helps reduce the terrorist factor.

Pakistan is already asking for the US to make the same offer to them....I suppose a balance of power.

my worry is that if we start backing India, who will pakistan turn to so they can get help? Russia? china?