The Hindu : Front Page : Deal ignores national interests: V.P. Singh

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Monday, Aug 06, 2007
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Deal ignores national interests: V.P. Singh

Special Correspondent

It increases dependence on the United States, says the former Prime Minister

V.P. Singh

NEW DELHI: The former Prime Minister, V.P. Singh, on Sunday said the 123 agreement of the India-United States civilian nuclear deal was a “much-hyped document” which had ignored vital national interests and increased dependence on the U.S.

“The U.S. has unfettered rights to terminate the deal on one year’s notice. India only has the right to consultation while the U.S. has right to decide. India will have to give reasons if it wanted to carry out a nuclear test but the reasonability of these reasons will be decided by the U.S. Why is it so?”

Addressing a press conference here, the former Prime Minister said India’s nuclear programme and further tests, its security circumstances would be subjugated to U.S. judgment. “It is obvious, if the U.S. is not satisfied, the agreement is over.”

The Jan Morcha leader’s criticism came a day after the main Opposition, the Bharatiya Janata Party, slammed the 123 agreement, saying it was an assault on India’s nuclear sovereignty.

On reprocessing, Mr. Singh said it was like a “promissory note” and needed India to set up a national reprocessing facility only after which negotiations with the U.S. could be undertaken. “Even if there is an agreement, it will be subject to the approval of U.S. Congress.”

Terming the agreement as an “optical illusion,” Mr. Singh said that many aspects referred to in it seemed to be “very hollow arrangements” as in reprocessing and enrichment techniques India would have no access to the provider. “We will have to agree on substantial international inspection even if nuclear plants are built indigenously.”

Mr. Singh demanded that the United Progressive Alliance government come out with answers on the financial viability of the entire agreement and tell the nation the total cost benefit. “If we spend so much, this will be the percentage of nuclear energy contributed through the deal, the nation must be informed.”

He suggested that the Government should have explored alternatives of hydel and thermal power before rushing to finalise the deal. “We could have imported coal from Australia and used it in coastal States to generate power through thermal power stations. In my opinion, this deal is only an example of salesmanship by the U.S. and the ultimate aim of Washington is to bring India under its own nuclear umbrella.”

The former Prime Minister said he would launch a “mass contact” programme through his political front to make the people aware of all aspects of the deal.

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