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India’s N-isolation has ended

In his front-page editorial “India’s hour” (Sept 8) H. K. Dua has aptly observed that India can now hold its head high in an imperfect world. With the NSG waiver, India has entered the elite nuclear club.

A number of issues will have to be addressed to. First, keeping in line with the commitment of using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the country has to harness its resources to uplift people below the poverty line.

Secondly, our politicians need to inculcate certain moral values and principles. There has been enough tamasha. The Left could not put forward any cogent argument for the role it played in thwarting the nuclear deal. The BJP made itself a laughing stock by opposing the deal, conveniently forgetting that Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee played a key role in conducting nuclear explosions.

Thirdly, some more efforts are required on our diplomatic front. China’s initial reservations were understandable as it apprehended the emergence of a powerful India, but the intransigent attitude of countries like Ireland, New Zealand and Austria with population much less that that of India’s showed that they needed more information about India.

CHITRANJAN SHARMA, Chandigarh

II

We have secured the status of a nuclear-weapon state and have the right to acquire enriched uranium equipment and latest technology according to our requirement. We should, however, not forget that we paid a price for all that we have got.

Tests are a must for keeping nuclear deterrence. Dr P.K. Iyengar has said that nuclear tests are absolutely necessary to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent. Though some senior scientists say that computer simulation is enough to test the validity of an atomic weapon and actual testing is not needed, Dr Iyengar does not agree.

China and Pakistan have not announced any voluntary moratorium. The US has already conducted 2000 tests, Russia 1000 and France 300 to reach the present level of nuclear capability.

G. R. KALRA, Chandigarh

III

The 123 agreement makes it clear that India will have access to sensitive nuclear technology to boost its energy generation and to develop nuclear based industries including space and defence. Also it has the right to retain the already acquired nuclear weapons, which gives credibility of its being a nuclear weapon state.

However, in the process, the US has cleverly bound India by the NPT and the CTBT without getting her formal acceptance in black and white. The Hyde Act will be applicable to India. Now American leaders are issuing advisory statements that India in the first place will deal with only US traders and the companies. The US will not be pleased if India goes in for bilateral trade with other NSG members.

At the moment, we don’t have a credible nuclear deterrence even for Pakistan, let alone China. Low yield nuclear weapons in the kitty can in no way deter our adversaries from resorting to territorial adventures.

Col KULDIP SINGH GREWAL, Patiala

IV

The men behind the NSG waiver deserve our accolades for their Herculean service to the nation. They are the builders of a strong nation. Mr H.K. Dua, too, deserves felicitations for espousing the cause of the nuclear deal through his relentless efforts.

From the very beginning, Mr Dua has been a staunch advocate of the deal and has expressed his strong support to the cause. The nation is grateful to him for his unbridled nationalism and patriotism.

YASH PAL SINGLA, Samana