INDIA NOW ON TOP OF THE WORLD!!!

More than a month into hibernation from blogging, the present status that India has been bestowed among the world countries has compelled me into writing this post. A thirty year old ban on supply of nuclear source materials and technology to India has been lifted in the recently concluded Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) meet, which is a representative body of a conglomeration of 45 nuclear power countries. This is the first positive step towards the Indo-US nuclear deal to be signed and it signals that half the well is crossed. The complete leap to the other side depends on the acceptance to the deal from the US Congress. The highlight of the NSG meet was amidst resistance from countries like Austria, New Zealand and indirectly China, India was exempted from the signing of the Non-proliferation treaty (NPT) which is mandatory for any country to obtain the source and technology. This exemption has come from recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power. Now India is next to the five major nuclear power countries. As said in the last post this acceptance has facilitated trade from countries other than the United States of America. Apart from the explicit benefits the deal is going to bring, there would also be an improvement in the economics of power. This was very much evident with power stocks climbing to phenomenal prices.

The role played by America in materializing the deal at the NSG meet has to be lauded since it was in a way responsible for other countries accepting to the India’s non-signing of the NPT. It was ruckus back in India when a letter from the US government to the US Congress was leaked to the media bringing out speculations that the deal has invisible clauses and conditions for India performing future nuclear tests. It maybe noted that India is free to go ahead with the testing on times of non conducive external political scenario. If in case the agreed terms are overridden the subsequent cancellation of the deal is only possible after a number of sittings and paying of suitable compensation for the loss incurred.

Whatsoever that is said of the deal, it is sure to cut down power crisis which is looming large on the faces of the India public and days of darkness will soon be in the dark. The materialization of the deal would also help in the development of medical and other scientific process. Life would then be really imparted to the mantra “India Shining”

"POWER" DEAL

It was all smiles for the UPA government when it passed the acid test at last despite allegations from the opposition that the trust votes were bought. Mr.Manmohan Singh would have had my vote in his kitty if I was asked!! This does not entrust my liking to the policies of Congress or to any other political party. I support the signing of the nuclear deal with America only from the perspective of a common man who is tormented by the depleting non-renewable energy resources which indirectly shows up as unscheduled power cuts affecting homes and industries, shortage of fuels to spring life in automobiles etc. Fingers point to failure of monsoon and increased agricultural demands as the cause for this scenario. Added to this shortage in power generation is the difficulty in harnessing solar, hydel and wind power which are subject to seasonal effects. Here is deal which is a blessing and appears to me as the most viable option!!

Opposition has been raised in the name of national security and growing upper hand of America in the world political stage. Indirectly the deal would also help foster ties with other countries like France, Germany etc. This even includes a group of scientists who fear the independence in research would be lost. The threat as seen includes inspection of nuclear facilities by the appointed committees. But it has been failed to understand is that it excludes defence and military facilities. Another supporting point for opposing the deal is the abundance of a radioactive material ‘Thorium’ in India which could be used for nuclear power generation without the need for American participation. Power generation is possible only with improvement in technology and knowledge transition which the deal would facilitate. A special never given before incentive offered to India is the non requirement to sign the “Non proliferation treaty” which has already raised eyebrows of several world leaders.

Much has been talked about how profitable the deal would be for India. But it is blessing in disguise for America also as it would help improve trade relations and commerce. A “new clear policy” on this issue is what is expected to make India really shine!!