The Hindu : National : India took a calculated risk, says Manmohan Singh

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Friday, Aug 05, 2005

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India took a calculated risk, says Manmohan Singh

Special Correspondent

Opening civilian nuclear energy sector to inspections is a risk worth taking: Prime Minister

NEW DELHI: India took a "calculated risk" by agreeing to open its civilian nuclear energy sector to inspections in return for nuclear fuel supplies and technology. "But it was a risk worth taking" in order to "take advantage of those who would take India to a higher growth path," Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the Rajya Sabha on Thursday about his recent U.S. visit.

Though U.S. President George Bush had promised to influence the U.S. Congress and other countries to make concessions in India's favour, it was difficult to predict whether nuclear non-proliferation laws would be changed to India's satisfaction. "If there is no action by the U.S. Government, we are completely free to stay where we are," he said. If Mr. Bush implemented his promise, India would be able to widen its developmental options by accessing commercial energy that is environmental-friendly.

Clarifying doubts about the wisdom of opening civilian nuclear plants to the international inspection regime, Dr. Singh said that in the present scenario, India could not have asked the U.S. to remove restrictions in trade on all nuclear assets. "We had to contend with that reality and fashioned our approach accordingly."

"Excessive focus"

Making his third articulation in Parliament on the U.S. visit, Dr. Singh felt there had been excessive focus on the nuclear issue. His first concern before leaving for the U.S. was to utilise the opportunity to revitalise agricultural growth that had reached a plateau. "I was worried about agriculture and therefore sought advances in human knowledge to revitalise the agricultural research centres and universities."

Another area of concern was infrastructure bottlenecks exemplified by the shut down of Mumbai for a week following heavy rain. The domestic savings rate was respectable but India also needed international capital. During their talks in Washington and earlier in Moscow, Mr. Bush promised to encourage U.S. businesses to look into Indian requirements in the infrastructure sector estimated by the Prime Minister at $ 150 billion over the next eight years.

India's weather system too required a sea change to take advantage of developments in frontier areas of science. "We also need increased contact with American research and academic institutions and my effort was to tap this reservoir for my country." India and the U.S. signed a framework agreement on science and technology in cutting edge areas.

The pact on cooperation in the space sector was another important aspect of the visit, he said.

"While we must work to create a more just international system, we should also take opportunities existing in the system to bring about social and economic development. India is working with the U.S. to explore areas of convergence in the national interest. It does not mean we agree with everything. My aim was to help create an international environment more supportive of India's effort to widen its development options," he reasoned.

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