INDO-US Nuclear Deal

The much talked-about INDO-US nuclear deal is easily the most intriguing issue that is causing a political earthquake in the country. The Left parties are adamant and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is in a pitiful condition. The ifs and buts of the entire story have been put here in precise form:

Advantages of Deal to India

1. After India tested its first nuclear weapon under Indira Gandhi's leadership, a technology apartheid was enforced upon India. After more than 30 years, US is lifting that apratheid and letting India join the free world.

2. India is not forced to join the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty).

3. India gets to keep all its nuclear weapons and pursue its nuclear programme without any hindrance.

4. India will get technological inputs from the developed countries.

Disadvantages to India

1. In the long run India might feel that it is being used as a puppet to stop China's alarming growth and used as a means to maintain the balance of power.

2. India might not get full advantages and may turn out on the wrong side if the deal is not carefully administered.

3. India has vast quantities of Thorium. US might have an eye on those resources and hence, are luring India into the deal so that they can utilise those resources in the long run.

The deal is currently under debate and its full repurcussions will come out only in due time.