Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

The nuclear deal

The three decades of debates and discussions should end with U.S. President George W. Bush signing the historic legislation allowing civilian nuclear trade with India. It is the U.S.' recognition of India's credibility as a genuine partner. All those opposing the deal should give it a chance in the interests of energy security.

Bulusu Hanumantha Rao,
Hyderabad

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has stated clearly that he stands by the commitments he made to Parliament on the deal. External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has also asserted that a Congress Prime Minister will not mortgage the national interest. While these assurances are welcome, one wonders why the UPA Government is reluctant to place the 123 Agreement in Parliament for ratification. The tailpiece in Dr. Singh's statement — that outcomes are not entirely predictable nor always under control — gives rise to serious apprehensions. Let us hope there will no compromises on the basic positions enunciated by him in his statement to the Rajya Sabha.

K. Lakshmanan,
Srirangam

First we were told to wait for Mr. Bush's visit. Then, we were asked to wait till the U.S.' Congress version of the bill came out. And now we are being told to wait till the NSG countries ratify the deal. How long is the nation expected to wait to get a clear-cut answer to simple questions? With the country's top scientists expressing serious apprehensions over many provisions, it is perhaps time to take a tougher stance?

S. Sudhir Kumar,
Hyderabad

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